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Dow Bay Area Family Young Mens Christian Association

EIN 38-1358415 · Bay City, MI

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong93 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

OUR MISSION IS TO PUT CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD A HEALTHY SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY FOR ALL.

Income
$5.5 million
Spending
$5.7 million
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
14.6 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 80%
Employees
344
Volunteers
179
Highest pay
$120,745, 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

Strong: 93 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 14.6 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 3% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    8 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 3% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 3% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 12 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.

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    14 of 14 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports 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 (4)
  1. $1.6 million spent. CHILDCARE AND FOOD PROGRAM SERVICES - DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING AFFORDABLE, DEPENDABLE, HIGH-QUALITY CHILDCARE SERVICES ON A YEAR-ROUND BASIS TO THE WORKING FAMILIES OF THE GREAT LAKES BAY REGION. YMCA CHILD CARE SERVICES PROVIDE CHILDREN WITH A SAFE AND CARING PLACE TO GROW AND SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO NURTURE THEIR CHILDREN'S HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT. WE SERVED 307 UNDUPLICATED CHILDREN FROM INFANT TO 5TH GRADE IN OUR LICENSED CHILDCARE PROGRAMS IN 2025: 130 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED IN SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS (AFTERSCHOOL CARE AND/OR SUMMER DAY CAMP), 10 STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN OUR GREAT START READINESS PRESCHOOL (GSRP) CLASSROOM WITH SUPPORT FROM BAY-ARENAC ISD, AND 111 CHILDREN RECEIVED CARE AT THE YMCA CHILDCARE SITE. 2025 WAS THE SECOND FULL YEAR OF SERVICE FOR OUR SECOND CHILDCARE SITE AT 1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 805 CENTER AVE. IN BAY CITY. FIFTY-SIX (56) CHILDREN WERE SERVED AT THIS SITE THROUGHOUT 2025. IN 2025, $76,179 IN YMCA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED FOR CHILDCARE FAMILIES. APPROXIMATELY 30% OF OUR LICENSED CHILDCARE PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE FROM THE STATE OF MICHIGAN. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CHILDCARE PROGRAM SERVICE AREA ARE OUR ANTI-HUNGER INITIATIVES SERVING YOUTH AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY. OUR FREE YOUTH FOOD PROGRAM, SUPPORTED BY THE USDA/MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, SERVED 40,123 MEALS AND SNACKS TO CHILDREN AGES 18 AND UNDER IN 2025 AT DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA (YEAR-ROUND), THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF BAY COUNTY (SCHOOL YEAR), 1ST PRESBYTERIAN CHILDCARE (SUMMER), AND MAPLEWOOD PARK (SUMMER). ALSO INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE TOTAL WAS RURAL NON-CONGREGATE DRIVE-UP MEAL SERVICE (SUN MEALS TO-GO) FOR RURAL YOUTH AT HAMPTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT IN ESSEXVILLE. THIS PARTNERSHIP ALLOWED US TO SERVE A TOTAL OF 9,550 MEALS DURING SUMMER VACATION. WE ALSO PROVIDED 1685 EMERGENCY FOOD BOXES TO 633 UNDUPLICATED INDIVIDUALS FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY FOR THOSE IN NEED IN OUR COMMUNITY IN 2025. (Expenses $ 1,159,267 including grants of $ 92,375)(Revenue $ 228,901) YOUTH SPORTS - YOUTH SPORTS FOCUS ON THE FULL AND EQUAL PARTICIPATION OF ALL. YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS BUILD LIFELONG POSITIVE ATTITUDES, HABITS OF HEALTHY EXERCISE AND GOOD NUTRITION, AND LEARN WAYS TO HAVE FUN AS ADULTS. BOTH ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS VALUE COOPERATION OVER COMPETITION, FAIR PLAY OVER WINNING AT ANY COST, GOOD FEELING AND GOOD HEALTH OVER A GOOD SCORE, AND BUILDING SELF ESTEEM OVER BEATING THE OPPONENT. THE Y KNOWS THAT WITH THIS APPROACH EVERYONE WINS UNDEFEATED IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. IN 2025, YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES INCLUDED YOUTH BASKETBALL ACADEMY (610 PARTICIPANTS), YOUTH VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY (158 PARTICIPANTS), AND YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL (207 PARTICIPANTS). FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,112 PROVIDED FREE OR REDUCED SPORTS PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS (101) IN 2025. HEALTH AND FITNESS - DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA SUPPORTS CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH A LIFE-LONG PROGRESSION OF EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH AND FITNESS INITIATIVES LIKE ENHANCE FITNESS, GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES, AND USE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN AND AROUND OUR 96,400 SQ. FT. FACILITY AND 24/7 AREA. YOUTH AND FAMILIES - Y YOUTH PROGRAMS GIVE KIDS GOOD ROLE MODELS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-ESTEEM AND GOOD VALUES INCLUDING COOPERATION, RESPECT FOR THE BODY, GOOD CITIZENSHIP, AND A STRONG WORK ETHIC. THE Y IS PROUD TO BE A FAMILY ORGANIZATION, GIVING FAMILIES A SAFE, RELIABLE, AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO GO. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CENTRAL TO THE Y MISSION OF BUILDING HEALTHY SPIRITS, MINDS, AND BODIES FOR ALL. TO SUPPORT THIS GOAL, DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA (WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS) OPENED A COMMUNITY CARE CLOSET IN 2025, WHICH HAS ALREADY PROVIDED THOUSANDS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AT NO COST, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. WE ALSO PROVIDE MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES IN OUR TEACHING KITCHEN TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES. IN 2025, WE TAUGHT 129 UNIQUE CHILDREN BASIC CULINARY SKILLS IN VARIOUS THEMED CLASSES.
  2. $1.3 million spent. MEMBERSHIP - Y FACILITY MEMBERSHIPS ARE FULL-PRIVILEGE, FULL ACCESS MEMBERSHIPS PACKED WITH BENEFITS TO HELP ACHIEVE HEALTH, FITNESS AND RECREATIONAL GOALS. THE MEMBER EXPERIENCE INCLUDES ACCESS TO STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT, FREE GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES, 24/7 FITNESS ACCESS FOR ADULTS, AND NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP RECIPROCITY. Y MEMBERSHIPS OFFER A VARIETY OF PAYMENT OPTIONS INCLUDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO GET INVOLVED IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES. Y PROGRAMS EMPHASIZE NUTRITION, EXERCISE, STRESS MANAGEMENT, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT. DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA PROVIDED $250,560 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR YMCA MEMBERSHIPS IN 2025.
  3. $765,813 spent. AQUATICS - Y AQUATICS PROGRAMS ARE PART OF THE Y'S OVERALL GOAL OF BUILDING A HEALTHY SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING SPECIFIC SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS, THEY PROMOTE GOOD HEALTH THROUGH REGULAR EXERCISE. LEARNING TO SWIM AT THE Y IS MORE THAN STROKE DEVELOPMENT. TRAINED, CERTIFIED AND SENSITIVE STAFF GIVE PERSONAL ATTENTION TO PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS AT ALL AGE AND SKILL LEVELS. Y SWIM AND AQUATICS PROGRAMS HELP PEOPLE BUILD SELF-ESTEEM, CONFIDENCE AND TEAM SPIRIT. DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA PROVIDED 709 SWIM/WATER SAFETY LESSONS FOR INDIVIDUALS IN 2025. WE ALSO SERVED 12 INDIVIDUALS IN Y TYDES SWIM CLUB, 37 IN MASTERS SWIM, 45 IN AQUATICS SUMMER CAMPS, PROVIDED 1357 PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS OR AQUATICS PERSONAL TRAINING SESSIONS, AND TRAINED 22 PEOPLE AS NEW COMMUNITY LIFEGUARDS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. (Expenses $ 1,159,267 including grants of $ 92,375)(Revenue $ 228,901) YOUTH SPORTS - YOUTH SPORTS FOCUS ON THE FULL AND EQUAL PARTICIPATION OF ALL. YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS BUILD LIFELONG POSITIVE ATTITUDES, HABITS OF HEALTHY EXERCISE AND GOOD NUTRITION, AND LEARN WAYS TO HAVE FUN AS ADULTS. BOTH ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS VALUE COOPERATION OVER COMPETITION, FAIR PLAY OVER WINNING AT ANY COST, GOOD FEELING AND GOOD HEALTH OVER A GOOD SCORE, AND BUILDING SELF ESTEEM OVER BEATING THE OPPONENT. THE Y KNOWS THAT WITH THIS APPROACH EVERYONE WINS UNDEFEATED IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. IN 2025, YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES INCLUDED YOUTH BASKETBALL ACADEMY (610 PARTICIPANTS), YOUTH VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY (158 PARTICIPANTS), AND YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL (207 PARTICIPANTS). FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,112 PROVIDED FREE OR REDUCED SPORTS PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS (101) IN 2025. HEALTH AND FITNESS - DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA SUPPORTS CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH A LIFE-LONG PROGRESSION OF EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH AND FITNESS INITIATIVES LIKE ENHANCE FITNESS, GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES, AND USE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN AND AROUND OUR 96,400 SQ. FT. FACILITY AND 24/7 AREA. YOUTH AND FAMILIES - Y YOUTH PROGRAMS GIVE KIDS GOOD ROLE MODELS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-ESTEEM AND GOOD VALUES INCLUDING COOPERATION, RESPECT FOR THE BODY, GOOD CITIZENSHIP, AND A STRONG WORK ETHIC. THE Y IS PROUD TO BE A FAMILY ORGANIZATION, GIVING FAMILIES A SAFE, RELIABLE, AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO GO. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CENTRAL TO THE Y MISSION OF BUILDING HEALTHY SPIRITS, MINDS, AND BODIES FOR ALL. TO SUPPORT THIS GOAL, DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA (WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS) OPENED A COMMUNITY CARE CLOSET IN 2025, WHICH HAS ALREADY PROVIDED THOUSANDS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AT NO COST, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. WE ALSO PROVIDE MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES IN OUR TEACHING KITCHEN TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES. IN 2025, WE TAUGHT 129 UNIQUE CHILDREN BASIC CULINARY SKILLS IN VARIOUS THEMED CLASSES.
  4. $1.2 million spent. YOUTH SPORTS - YOUTH SPORTS FOCUS ON THE FULL AND EQUAL PARTICIPATION OF ALL. YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS BUILD LIFELONG POSITIVE ATTITUDES, HABITS OF HEALTHY EXERCISE AND GOOD NUTRITION, AND LEARN WAYS TO HAVE FUN AS ADULTS. BOTH ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS VALUE COOPERATION OVER COMPETITION, FAIR PLAY OVER WINNING AT ANY COST, GOOD FEELING AND GOOD HEALTH OVER A GOOD SCORE, AND BUILDING SELF ESTEEM OVER BEATING THE OPPONENT. THE Y KNOWS THAT WITH THIS APPROACH EVERYONE WINS UNDEFEATED IN SPIRIT, MIND, AND BODY. IN 2025, YOUTH SPORTS LEAGUES INCLUDED YOUTH BASKETBALL ACADEMY (610 PARTICIPANTS), YOUTH VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY (158 PARTICIPANTS), AND YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL (207 PARTICIPANTS). FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,112 PROVIDED FREE OR REDUCED SPORTS PROGRAM REGISTRATIONS (101) IN 2025. HEALTH AND FITNESS - DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA SUPPORTS CHRONIC DISEASE PREVENTION THROUGH A LIFE-LONG PROGRESSION OF EVIDENCE-BASED HEALTH AND FITNESS INITIATIVES LIKE ENHANCE FITNESS, GROUP EXERCISE CLASSES FOR ALL AGES, AND USE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IN AND AROUND OUR 96,400 SQ. FT. FACILITY AND 24/7 AREA. YOUTH AND FAMILIES - Y YOUTH PROGRAMS GIVE KIDS GOOD ROLE MODELS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-ESTEEM AND GOOD VALUES INCLUDING COOPERATION, RESPECT FOR THE BODY, GOOD CITIZENSHIP, AND A STRONG WORK ETHIC. THE Y IS PROUD TO BE A FAMILY ORGANIZATION, GIVING FAMILIES A SAFE, RELIABLE, AND AFFORDABLE PLACE TO GO. STRENGTHENING FAMILIES AND MEETING THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN HAVE ALWAYS BEEN CENTRAL TO THE Y MISSION OF BUILDING HEALTHY SPIRITS, MINDS, AND BODIES FOR ALL. TO SUPPORT THIS GOAL, DOW BAY AREA FAMILY YMCA (WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS) OPENED A COMMUNITY CARE CLOSET IN 2025, WHICH HAS ALREADY PROVIDED THOUSANDS OF PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS AT NO COST, NO QUESTIONS ASKED, TO INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES. WE ALSO PROVIDE MONTHLY COOKING CLASSES IN OUR TEACHING KITCHEN TO YOUTH AND FAMILIES. IN 2025, WE TAUGHT 129 UNIQUE CHILDREN BASIC CULINARY SKILLS IN VARIOUS THEMED CLASSES.

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

  1. 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 September 7, 2026.

  2. 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 September 30, 2026.

  3. 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 September 10, 2026.

  4. 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 September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since September 1942.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. 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 7, 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.