Young Mens Christian Association of Greater Grand Rapids
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
GUIDED BY OUR CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, WE STRENGTHEN THE SPIRIT MIND AND BODY OF ALL INDIVIDUALS.
- Income
- $61.1 million
- Spending
- $54.3 million
- Spent on programs
- 90%
- Reserves
- -5 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 62%
- Employees
- 2,129
- Volunteers
- 1,481
- Highest pay
- $416,553, president/ceo
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Fair: 55 out of 100. Higher than 36% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
10 of 20It owes 31% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 21% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1590% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 4 cents.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2528 of 28 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
15 of 15Has a written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
8 of 8Has a written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
7 of 7Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
10 of 10Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.
Pay set independently
5 of 5Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.
Independent check of accounts
15 of 15Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (3)
- $26.6 million spent. Healthy Living - Improving Individual and Community Well-being The Y is committed to improving community health by addressing disparities, promoting wellness, and offering comprehensive support systems. Its health-focused programs encourage sustainable lifestyle changes through education, resources, and personalized guidance. Key Programs and Outcomes: Health, Well-Being, and Fitness: Inclusive fitness and wellness opportunities help individuals pursue their personal health goals. (Programs: Group Fitness, Strength Training, Water Exercise, Senior Fitness, Personal Training, Running Clubs, Youth/Adult Sports Leagues) Evidence-Based Health Initiatives: Specialized programs support individuals managing obesity, chronic conditions, and cancer recovery. (Programs: LIVESTRONG at the Y and Pedaling for Parkinsons) Addressing Health Disparities: Initiatives that expand access to nutritious food, physical activity, and health education, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, help reduce inequities. (Programs: Mobile Farmers Market I.e. the Veggie Vans, Healthy Corner Stores, Community Fitness Classes, Nutrition in Action) For more than 150 years, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids has played a central role in supporting the well-being of individuals and families across the region. Rooted in its mission and guided by the values of inclusion, caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, the Y continues to evolve alongside the community it serves. As a leader in youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the Y works to ensure equitable access to opportunities that help people grow, connect, and thrive. Youth Development - Empowering Young People to Reach Their Full Potential The YMCA's Youth Development initiatives are designed to equip children and teens with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through evidence-based early learning, childcare, out-of-school-time programs, and leadership development, the Y supports academic progress, social-emotional growth, and long-term readiness for school, work, and life. Core focus areas include kindergarten preparedness, academic enrichment, character formation, and career exploration. Key Programs and Outcomes: Early Learning: High-quality childcare and early education programs nurture developmental milestones and prepare children for future academic success. (Programs: Early Childhood Education, Great Start Readiness Program, and Early Head Start) Out-of-School Time Learning & Leadership: Year-round enrichment, academic support, and leadership opportunities help reduce learning loss and foster personal growth. (Programs: Before and After School Care, Impact After School Program, Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, Leaders/Counselors in Training, Summer Teen Leadership Academy, Ted Rasberry Youth League, Youth in Government, Cooking Matters, Summer Resident Camps, Summer Day Camps) Healthy Living - Improving Individual and Community Well-being The Y is committed to improving community health by addressing disparities, promoting wellness, and offering comprehensive support systems. Its health-focused programs encourage sustainable lifestyle changes through education, resources, and personalized guidance. Key Programs and Outcomes: Health, Well-Being, and Fitness: Inclusive fitness and wellness opportunities help individuals pursue their personal health goals. (Programs: Group Fitness, Strength Training, Water Exercise, Senior Fitness, Personal Training, Running Clubs, Youth/Adult Sports Leagues) Evidence-Based Health Initiatives: Specialized programs support individuals managing obesity, chronic conditions, and cancer recovery. (Programs: LIVESTRONG at the Y and Pedaling for Parkinsons) Addressing Health Disparities: Initiatives that expand access to nutritious food, physical activity, and health education, particularly in underserved neighborhoods, help reduce inequities. (Programs: Mobile Farmers Market I.e. the Veggie Vans, Healthy Corner Stores, Community Fitness Classes, Nutrition in Action) Social Responsibility - Strengthening Communities Through Action The YMCA remains dedicated to strengthening community bonds, mobilizing volunteers, and offering essential services that support individuals and families. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and collaborative partnerships, the Y works to eliminate barriers and promote health equity for all. Key Programs and Outcomes: Providing Critical Services: Strategic partnerships expand access to vital resources for vulnerable populations. (Programs: Flexible Pricing for Memberships and Programs, Financial Assistance for Memberships and Programs, Food Service Programs, Universal Design and Access, Safety Around Water) Investing to Remove Barriers: Donors, volunteers, and community leaders help sustain equitable access to Y programs and services. (Programs: Board Volunteer Leadership, Campaign Volunteer Champions, Program Volunteers) Strengthening Community Connectivity: Advocacy and collaborative efforts address pressing social issues and support long-term community well-being. (Initiatives: Ted Rasberry League, Kent County's Essential Needs Task Force, Health Equity Task Force, Neighborhood Coalitions) The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids remains steadfast in its commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive community. Through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and a focus on accessibility, the Y will continue expanding its impact so that every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
- $15.8 million spent. Youth Development - Empowering Young People to Reach Their Full Potential The YMCA's Youth Development initiatives are designed to equip children and teens with the skills and confidence they need to succeed. Through evidence-based early learning, childcare, out-of-school-time programs, and leadership development, the Y supports academic progress, social-emotional growth, and long-term readiness for school, work, and life. Core focus areas include kindergarten preparedness, academic enrichment, character formation, and career exploration. Key Programs and Outcomes: Early Learning: High-quality childcare and early education programs nurture developmental milestones and prepare children for future academic success. (Programs: Early Childhood Education, Great Start Readiness Program, and Early Head Start) Out-of-School Time Learning & Leadership: Year-round enrichment, academic support, and leadership opportunities help reduce learning loss and foster personal growth. (Programs: Before and After School Care, Impact After School Program, Youth Sports, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin, Leaders/Counselors in Training, Summer Teen Leadership Academy, Ted Rasberry Youth League, Youth in Government, Cooking Matters, Summer Resident Camps, Summer Day Camps)
- $6.3 million spent. Social Responsibility - Strengthening Communities Through Action The YMCA remains dedicated to strengthening community bonds, mobilizing volunteers, and offering essential services that support individuals and families. Through advocacy, philanthropy, and collaborative partnerships, the Y works to eliminate barriers and promote health equity for all. Key Programs and Outcomes: Providing Critical Services: Strategic partnerships expand access to vital resources for vulnerable populations. (Programs: Flexible Pricing for Memberships and Programs, Financial Assistance for Memberships and Programs, Food Service Programs, Universal Design and Access, Safety Around Water) Investing to Remove Barriers: Donors, volunteers, and community leaders help sustain equitable access to Y programs and services. (Programs: Board Volunteer Leadership, Campaign Volunteer Champions, Program Volunteers) Strengthening Community Connectivity: Advocacy and collaborative efforts address pressing social issues and support long-term community well-being. (Initiatives: Ted Rasberry League, Kent County's Essential Needs Task Force, Health Equity Task Force, Neighborhood Coalitions) The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids remains steadfast in its commitment to building a healthier, more inclusive community. Through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and a focus on accessibility, the Y will continue expanding its impact so that every person has the opportunity to grow and thrive in a supportive environment.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since July 1942.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.