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Camp Foster Young Mens Christian Association Inc

EIN 42-0958909 · Spirit Lake, IA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong95 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

CAMP FOSTER YMCA OF THE OKOBOJIS IS A CHARITABLE, COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANIZATION THAT INCLUDES MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN OF ALL AGES, ABILITIES, INCOMES, RACES AND RELIGIONS. WE ARE DEDICATED TO BUILDING STRONG KIDS, STRONG FAMILIES, AND STRONG COMMUNITIES BY PUTTING CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE THROUGH PROGRAMS THAT PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, STRONG VALUES, LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT, COMMUNITY INTERACTION, AND INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING. ALL PERSONS ARE WELCOME AT OUR YMCA, REGARDLESS OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY. OUR YMCA IS FOUNDED AND LED BY VOLUNTEERS FROM OUR COMMUNITY; VOLUNTEERS ALSO SERVE AS MENTORS, COACHES, PROGRAM LEADERS, INSTRUCTORS AND MORE.

Income
$5.3 million
Spending
$4.7 million
Spent on programs
83%
Reserves
12.9 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 69%
Employees
250
Volunteers
313
Highest pay
$140,579, executive director

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: 95 out of 100. Higher than 88% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 12.9 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 10% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 12% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 4% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    83% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 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 65% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    16 of 16 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 (1)
  1. $3.9 million spent. Statement of Program Service Accomplishments Part III Camp Foster YMCA is a non-profit organization served by a volunteer Board of Directors of up to 15 members. A full-time CEO and seventeen full-time staff implement the policies set by the Board. Camp Foster YMCA utilizes numerous volunteers to work with youth in a variety of programs on a year-round basis. Camp Foster serves youth and adults locally, as well as throughout the country. 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 Y Kids Club, Summer Adventure Club, and Camp Foster Day Camp and Resident Camp, 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 5 percent of the young people we engage. 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, over 5,000 people in our community are receiving the support, guidance, and resource 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, background, abilities, and income levels. In 2025, we provided over $85,000 in financial assistance to people who otherwise might not have been able to afford to participate. 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 110 years. Y programs, such as Reading Buddies, Delay the Disease Parkinson's Support, and Volunteer Coaching are examples of how we deliver training, resources, and support that empower our neighbors to effect change, bridge gaps, and overcome obstacles. In 2025, we engaged over 9,000 YMCA members, participants, and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. (Based on 5,000 members throughout the year, 3,500 campers/groups & conference participants, 300 volunteers, 100 Y Kids, 80 Reading Buddies 55Kids, and 60 Safety Around Water participants.)

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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 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 October 13, 2026.

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

    Recognized by the IRS since August 1971.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 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 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.