Young Mens Christian Association of Dane County Inc
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
TO PUT CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT BUILD A HEALTHY SPIRIT, MINE AND BODY FOR ALL.
- Income
- $27.4 million
- Spending
- $14.2 million
- Spent on programs
- 85%
- Reserves
- 1.8 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 51%
- Employees
- 609
- Volunteers
- 200
- Highest pay
- $344,686, 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
Good: 71 out of 100. Higher than 61% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 1.8 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 22% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 48% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 86% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1585% 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 2515 of 15 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)
- $8.5 million spent. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT OUR YMCA IS COMMITTED TO NURTURING THE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD AND TEEN. WE BELIEVE ALL KIDS HAVE GREAT POTENTIAL AND DESERVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE. THAT'S WHY WE HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CULTIVATE THE VALUES, SKILLS AND RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO POSITIVE BEHAVIORS, BETTER HEALTH AND EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT. OUR YMCA PROGRAMS, SUCH AS 4-K, PRESCHOOL, SUMMER CAMP, SAFETY AROUND WATER, FRIDAY NIGHTS AT THE Y, AND YOUTH SPORTS, OFFER A RANGE OF EXPERIENCES THAT ENRICH SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL, COGNITIVE AND PHYSICAL GROWTH. EXPENSES INCLUDE SUBSIDIES AND DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THAT MAKE PARTICIPATION POSSIBLE FOR 20% PERCENT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WE ENGAGE. LINE 4A YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PLAYFUL, ENGAGING OPTIONS ARE PLENTIFUL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WHILE MEMBERS EXERCISE OR CONNECT WITH OTHERS OVER SHARED INTERESTS. YMCA SUMMER CAMPS - EXPLORE THE WORLD; FIND YOURSELF DAY CAMP CAN OFFER ALMOST ALL OF THE BENEFITS OF TRADITIONAL CAMP - NEW EXPERIENCES, SKILL BUILDING, A SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES. OUR SUMMER DAY CAMP PROGRAMS SERVED OVER 1,000 CHILDREN AGES 4-14 HELPING THEM TO BUILD GREAT NEW FRIENDS AND CHARACTER VALUES FOR LIFE. SWIM, SPORTS & PLAY - A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY PLAY THE Y IS THE STARTING POINT WITH OVER 6,900 ENROLLEES ENABLED TO LEARN ABOUT BECOMING AND STAYING ACTIVE, AND DEVELOPING HEALTHY HABITS THEY'LL CARRY WITH THEM THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES. WHETHER IT'S GAINING THE CONFIDENCE THAT COMES FROM LEARNING TO SWIM OR BUILDING THE POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS THAT LEAD TO GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND TEAMWORK, PARTICIPATING IN SPORTS AT THE Y IS ABOUT BUILDING THE WHOLE CHILD, FROM THE INSIDE OUT. TEEN LEADERSHIP - LEADERS ARE MADE HERE WE WORK EVERY DAY TO HELP YOUTH SET AND ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL AND EDUCATIONAL GOALS. AS A RESULT, YOUTH AND TEENS LOCALLY GAIN CONFIDENCE AS THEY RECOGNIZE THE Y AS A PLACE WHERE THEY BELONG AND CAN FEEL COMFORTABLE EXPLORING NEW INTERESTS AND PASSIONS. PROGRAMS INCLUDE LEADERS CLUB, ACHIEVERS, YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT AND COUNSELORS IN TRAINING. YMCA CHILD CARE FACTS DAILY WE PROVIDE OVER 1,500 CHILDREN OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE, SOCIALIZE, LEARN AND GROW EMOTIONALLY, INTELLECTUALLY AND SOCIALLY AT OUR LICENSED PRESCHOOL, 4K AND SCHOOL AGE PROGRAMS ACROSS DANE COUNTY. CHILD CARE PROGRAMS OFFER A STRUCTURED CURRICULUM FOCUSED ON HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY YEAR-ROUND. WE ARE INVOLVED IN COOPERATIVE EFFORTS IN EARLY LEARNING AND 4K PROGRAMMING ACROSS DANE COUNTY. WE OFFER 4K TO APPROXIMATELY 75 CHILDREN IN 3 OF THE COUNTY'S LARGEST SCHOOL DISTRICTS. ALL OF OUR PROGRAMS ARE STATE OF WISCONSIN LICENSED AND FOLLOW CITY OF MADISON ACCREDITATION STANDARDS, ENSURING QUALITY PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN AND PEACE OF MIND FOR FAMILIES WHILE AT WORK. WE PARTNER AND COLLABORATE WITH MANY LARGE ORGANIZATIONS IN AND AROUND DANE COUNTY, AND ACTIVELY SEEK OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK WITH ORGANIZATIONS IN ORDER TO BUILD AND DEVELOP OUR COMMUNITIES. WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE OVER 400 STAFF WHO ARE PASSIONATE AND DEDICATED TO THE Y MISSION. WE OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ALMOST 100 CHILD CARE FAMILIES SO THAT ALL CHILDREN CAN BENEFIT FROM A SENSE OF BELONGING, AND ACCESS TOOLS, SUPPORT AND SKILLS TO LIVE LIFE TO ITS FULLEST. OUR 29 PROGRAM SITES ARE LOCATED WITHIN THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE TO ALLOW ACCESSIBILITY SO THAT ANYONE CAN BENEFIT FROM OUR FOCUS ON YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.
- $2.4 million spent. HEALTHY LIVING THE Y IS COMMITTED TO IMPROVING AMERICA'S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, COMMUNITY BY COMMUNITY. WE BRING FAMILIES CLOSER TOGETHER, ENCOURAGE GOOD HEALTH AND FOSTER CONNECTIONS THROUGH FITNESS, SPORTS, FUN AND SHARED INTERESTS. AS A RESULT, COUNTLESS PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY ARE RECEIVING THE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES THEY NEED TO ACHIEVE GREATER HEALTH IN SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY. THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT AS OUR NATION STRUGGLES WITH CHRONIC DISEASE AND OBESITY, FAMILIES WRESTLE WITH WORK/LIFE BALANCE AND INDIVIDUALS SEARCH FOR PERSONAL FULFILLMENT. OUR PROGRAMS ARE ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE AND OPEN TO ALL FAITHS, BACKGROUNDS, ABILITIES AND INCOME LEVELS. LINE 4B. HEALTHY LIVING WE PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS TO PROMOTE HEALTHIER DECISIONS, AND OFFER A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL STRENGTH WITH ENROLLMENT. STRENGTH; INCREASING FLEXIBILITY AND ENDURANCE; AND IMPROVING CONFIDENCE AND SELF-ESTEEM. THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 1,500 PARTICIPANTS IN STRENGTH PROGRAMS. FAMILY PROGRAMS - PLAY TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER SERVING FAMILIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN AT THE HEART OF THE Y. WE ARE A PLACE WHERE FAMILIES CAN FIND RESPITE FROM SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND EDUCATIONAL CHALLENGES, AND LEARN HOW TO OVERCOME THEM. WE HAVE A FUNDAMENTAL DESIRE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERY FAMILY TO BUILD STRONGER BONDS , ACHIEVE GREATER WORK/LIFE BALANCE , AND BECOME MORE ENGAGED WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES. ACTIVE OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS - A LIFETIME OF HEALTHY LIVING AT THE Y, A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY IS A BIG PART OF WELLNESS. AT EVERY AGE AND EVERY LEVEL OF ACTIVITY, WE HAVE PEOPLE LOOKING TO LIVE A LITTLE BIT HEALTHIER. MEMBERS OFTEN CITE THE SUPPORT AND ENTHUSIASM OF FELLOW PARTICIPANTS AND STAFF AS SOME OF THE KEY FACTORS IN THEIR ACHIEVEMENT OF GREATER WELL-BEING. HEALTHY LIFESTYLES - BUILDING THE WHOLE PERSON LIVING HEALTHY IS ABOUT SPIRIT, MIND AND BODY AT EVERY AGE AND STAGE. THE Y OFFERS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS FOR THOSE DEALING WITH CHRONIC DISEASE, JOINT AND INJURY REHABILITATION , STRESS AND PREGNANCY, IN ADDITION TO HEALTH ASSESSMENTS AND WELLNESS COACHING. THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 6,000 PARTICIPANTS IN THESE PROGRAMS. ADAPTIVE - WE KNOW WELLNESS ALTHOUGH THOSE WITH DISABILITIES HAVE A SIMILAR, AND IN MANY CASES GREATER, NEED FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY , THEY ARE LESS LIKELY ON AVERAGE TO ENGAGE IN IT REGULARLY. ACCORDING TO THE CDC, A SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER PERCENTAGE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES REPORT THEIR HEALTH TO BE VERY GOOD. RESEARCH SHOWS THAT SUCH ACTIVITY NOT ONLY CREATES A SHORT- TERM SENSE OF HEALTH AND ACCOMPLISHMENT, BUT CAN PREVENT OR DELAY MANY OF THE SECONDARY CONDITIONS THAT OFTEN COMPLICATE DISABILITY. THE Y'S ADAPTIVE PROGRAM SERVES COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH COGNITIVE AND/OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, OFFERING WELLNESS AND ENRICHMENT CLASSES, AN ACCESSIBLE GYM WITH ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT, SPECIAL OLYMPICS TRAINING, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZATION AND GETTING TO KNOW THE COMMUNITY - INCLUDING OUT-OF- TOWN DAY TRIPS AND VISITS TO LOCAL MUSEUMS AND STATE PARKS. 200 INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROGRAM. MILITARY OUTREACH - ALWAYS HERE FOR OUR COMMUNITY DEPLOYMENT CAN BE A STRESSFUL AND UNCERTAIN TIME FOR OUR NATION'S SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES. IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE ARMED SERVICES YMCA AND THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, THE Y IS PROUD TO OFFER MEMBERSHIPS AND RESPITE CHILD CARE SERVICES TO ELIGIBLE MILITARY FAMILIES AND PERSONNEL TO GIVE THEM EXTRA SUPPORT. IT'S OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK TO THOSE WHO DEDICATE THEMSELVES TO OUR COUNTRY.
- $690,565 spent. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OUR YMCA BELIEVES IN GIVING BACK AND SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS. WE HAVE BEEN LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO OUR COMMUNITY'S MOST CRITICAL SOCIAL NEEDS FOR MORE THAN 130 YEARS. WE ARE COMMITTED TO MAKE SURE ALL MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, GROW, AND THRIVE. WE TURN NO ONE AWAY BECAUSE OF THE INABILITY TO PAY. IN 2024, WE PROVIDED OVER $659,000 IN FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO PARTICIPATE. IN ADDITION, WE DONATED OVER $636,000 IN MEMBERSHIPS, PROGRAM, AND SERVICES TO OTHER LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS AS WE WORK TOGETHER TO INSPIRE CHANGE AND IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN OUR COMMUNITIES. * FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS REGARDING THESE CRITICAL PROGRAMS AND THEIR IMPACT, SEE SCHEDULE O. LINE 4C. SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY YOUTH CENTERS - A BRIGHTER FUTURE THE YMCA OF DANE COUNTY, INC. OPERATES A YOUTH CENTER IN SUN PRAIRIE. THIS CENTER OFFER SAFE, FUN AND FREE AFTER SCHOOL CARE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL AGED YOUTH, WITH EXTENDED HOURS ON NO SCHOOL DAYS AND IN THE SUMMER. YMCA YOUTH CENTERS LIVE THE Y MISSION EVERY DAY THROUGH ACTIVITIES SUCH AS AFTER SCHOOL HOMEWORK CLUBS, HEALTHY SNACKS AND COOKING PROJECTS, EXERCISE AND YOGA, AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONS. YOUTH IN THE CENTERS HAVE THEIR PARTICIPATION HOURS TRACKED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, VOLUNTEERISM AND LEADERSHIP AND ASSETS-BASED PROGRAMMING. STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE VITAL TO YOUTH IN DEVELOPING SOCIAL SKILLS, IMPROVING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE , AND HELPING THEM BUILD STRONG SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH ADULTS OTHER THAN THEIR PARENTS. PARTICIPATION IN AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITIES ALSO HELPS TO KEEP YOUTH FROM SKIPPING SCHOOL AND EXPERIMENTING WITH ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY. ADOLESCENTS IN AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE OPTIMISTIC FOR THE FUTURE AND HAVE MORE INTEREST IN SCHOOL THAN PEERS WHO ARE UNSUPERVISED AFTER SCHOOL. TO OPERATE, YOUTH CENTERS DEPEND ON FUNDING FROM VARIOUS SOURCES INCLUDING THE MUNICIPALITIES WHOSE YOUTH THEY SERVE , COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES, AND ON FUNDRAISING.
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 November 6, 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 March 1945.
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 November 4, 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.