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Young Detroit Thinkers

EIN 45-2973904 · Detroit, MI

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthNot ratedToo small or too little detailGovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Young Detroit Thinkers (YDT)is a Michigan non-profit whose mission is to provide-year round services that enable metro Detroit youth to excel academically by developing focus, disapline, creative thinking, characterand strategic planning through the game of chess.

Income
$20,228
Spending
$44,618
Spent on programs
78%
Reserves
26.7 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 99%
Employees
0

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

We do not score finances when yearly spending is very small or the return has too little detail. The ratios stop meaning much at that size.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 92% of charities in its peer group (youth development, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    5 of 5 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.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, 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. $34,809 spent. Detroit youth with quality programs and experiences which will enable them to excel academically in a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment. The goals of Young Detroit Thinkers include: Enhanced Academic Focus - Create a culture of high expectations to acquire the needed focus and discipline for academic success; Increase Student Leadership - Provide opportunities for Young Detroit Thinkers members to develop, enhance, and experience their leadership capabilities; Creative Thinking - Develop creativity and special reasoning skills that are necessary for game of chess as well as with life; Character Education - Instill life skills to help students become socially accepted members while engaging with other YDTs programs for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2021 included providing chess equipment and instruction to students and teachers; sponsoring a city-wide competitive chess team; hosting a series of tournaments in which over 300 students participated; the Boys Theater of Detroit summer camp; the DCCC All-City Chess Honors; free weekly leisure chess open to the community; and a simultaneous chess exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts. YDTs programs for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2022 included providing chess equipment and instruction to students and teachers; sponsoring a city-wide competitive chess team; hosting a series of tournaments in which over 300 students participated; the Boys Theater of Detroit summer camp; the DCCC All-City Chess Honors; free weekly leisure chess open to the community; and a simultaneous chess exhibition at the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2024, 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 November 6, 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 August 2024.

    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 January 2013.

    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 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.