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Woodson Y M C a Inc

EIN 39-0808463 · Wausau, WI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood71 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The YMCA mission is " To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all." We help the people we serve put these principles into practice in their daily lives. We accomplish this by developing the character of the people we serve. We develop character by teaching positive values. The core values of the YMCA are: caring, honesty, responsibility, and respect. These values are stressed in all areas of the YMCA starting at the preschool level and running all the way through our active older adult programs.

Income
$13.1 million
Spending
$11.2 million
Spent on programs
77%
Reserves
2.4 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 83%
Employees
754
Volunteers
201
Highest pay
$296,751, president and ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 71 out of 100.

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 2.4 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 26% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 0% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    77% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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

    19 of 19 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 September 30, 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)
  1. $4.6 million spent. Youth Development: At the Woodson YMCA, youth development is not simply a program area, it is the heart of our mission. We are guided by the solid belief that every child, regardless of financial status, ethnicity, gender, or religion, deserves the opportunity to learn, discover their potential, and grow in a safe and encouraging environment. Equity and access are foundational to our purpose, and we work diligently to remove barriers so that every young person can thrive. This year, we invested more than $349,600 in financial assistance to ensure that children and families could fully participate in our programs. Through this support, youth engaged in child care, after-school enrichment, day camp, youth sports, swim lessons, gymnastics classes, karate, and competitive swim and gymnastics teams - experiences designed to build confidence, character, skills, and lifelong healthy habits. As the county's largest provider of child care services, we served more children and families than any other organization in our area. By providing safe, high-quality, and values-based care, we strengthened working families and supported the broader community. Parents were able to remain employed and contribute to the local workforce with the assurance that their children were nurtured, protected, and inspired each day.
  2. $3.2 million spent. Healthy Living: Healthy living is a key component of the Woodson YMCA's mission to strengthen the overall well-being of our community. We promote health and wellness by providing programs and services that encourage individuals and families to stay active, build healthy habits, and connect with others. Through a wide range of fitness opportunities, sports programs, educational offerings, specialized activities for those 55+ and group activities, we create an inclusive environment where people of all ages can improve their physical and emotional health. As families face ongoing financial pressures, health concerns, and social challenges, the Y remains a reliable and supportive resource. Our programs are designed not only to promote physical fitness, but also to foster connection, reduce isolation, and support overall well-being. Accessibility and affordability are central to our mission. We are committed to ensuring that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. During this fiscal year, we provided more than $484,500 in membership discounts/scholarships, enabling individuals and families to access the programs and services that help them lead healthier lives. Program Service accomplishments: Fostering connections with new and old friends, bringing your loved ones closer together. At the YMCA, It is not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.
  3. $867,366 spent. Social Responsibility: Social responsibility is fundamental to the Woodson YMCA's commitment to strengthening our community. We strive to listen carefully and respond thoughtfully to the most pressing needs of the individuals and families we serve, ensuring that our programs and outreach efforts remain relevant and impactful. During this fiscal year, we provided over $46,000 in membership discounts/scholarships. One significant example continues to be The Landing, our senior activity center, which supports older adults in maintaining active and engaged lifestyles. Through programs that encourage connection and promote well-being of mind, body, and spirit, The Landing provides meaningful opportunities for fellowship and continued growth. In addition, we offer initiatives that strengthen both individuals and the broader community, including the LIVESTRONG program, a community garden, seasonal events, and multiple donation drives throughout the year. These efforts provide support, encourage engagement, and foster a sense of shared responsibility and connection. Our impact is further strengthened by the dedication of our volunteers, who serve in both governance and program roles. By generously contributing their time, leadership, and talents, they help advance the YMCA's mission and expand our ability to serve the community effectively. Program Service Accomplishments: -Community Garden -Livestrong at the YMCA -Healthy Kids Day -CPR/First Aid Certification Courses -Membership/Program Scholarship Fundraisers -World Service -Togetherhood -Diabetes prevention program

Source: Form 990 for the year ending September 30, 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 September 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 March 1936.

    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.