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Young Women Empowered

EIN 47-2230647 · Seattle, WA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood73 out of 100GovernanceFair65 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Y-WE cultivates the power of diverse young women* to be creative leaders and courageous changemakers through transformative programs within a collaborative community of belonging. We envision a society rooted in social justice, where all young women* live their truths, achieve their dreams, and change our world.

Income
$2.3 million
Spending
$2.6 million
Spent on programs
72%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 65%
Employees
27
Highest pay
$129,600, co-executive director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 73 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 18% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    4 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 15% of income.

  • Income trend

    10 of 15

    Income fell 8% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    72% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 27 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 65 out of 100. Higher than 18% of charities in its peer group (youth development, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    8 of 8 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no 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

    0 of 5

    Reports no independent review process for its chief executive's pay.

  • 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 August 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)
  1. $1.5 million spent. School Year Programs: In 2024-2025, Y-WE served 120+ youth, primarily young women, and 525+ community members, through 164 program days and community events. 36 adult volunteer mentors supported youth enrolled in 19 distinct programs, and 50+ other volunteers supported Y-WE in a variety of ways throughout the year. Participants reported increased self confidence, leadership skills, connection to the natural world, and commitment to taking action for change in their communities. Averaged across all Y-WE programs, a majority of participants reported they believe they can take on leadership roles in their community, now or in the future; and that they feel motivated to take action to make positive changes in their community.
  2. $166,126 spent. Educational Events: Collectively these programs were attended by 525+ youth and community members. Career Day was one featured event, where participants learned about possible career paths and developed skills such as resume writing. When asked what they liked best about Career Day, one participant wrote, "I liked the personal stories about [the speakers'] experiences. This helps us not make the same mistake nor to give up. That we should believe in ourselves." Another wrote, "I really liked hearing about each speaker's career journeys and learning about different programs and opportunities available."
  3. $179,361 spent. Summer Programs: Multi-day camps focused on creativity and engagement with the natural world provided transformative and healing experiences to 75+ youth and 11 adult volunteer mentors. Young women worked directly with renowned writers and artists, community leaders, and professionals across diverse career fields. Across all Y-WE summer camps, 100% of participants surveyed agreed that as a result of Y-WE programming: "I am part of a community where I feel like I belong," as well as "I have the knowledge, skills, and resources I need to take care of my physical, mental, and emotional health."

Source: Form 990 for the year ending August 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 August 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 October 2015.

    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.