Altavista Area YMCA Inc Steve Jester
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Altavista Area YMCA is a charitable community service organization that includes men. women, and children of all ages, abilities, income, races, and religions. The YMCA is 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 and community interaction. All persons are welcome at the YMCA, regardless of their ability to pay. This YMCA was founded and is led by volunteers from the community; volunteers also serve as mentors, coaches, program leaders, instructors, and more in fulfilling the mission of the YMCA.
- Income
- $6.0 million
- Spending
- $5.6 million
- Spent on programs
- 88%
- Reserves
- 2.9 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 68%
- Employees
- 286
- Volunteers
- 225
- Highest pay
- $110,971, chief executive officer
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: 75 out of 100. Higher than 52% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Reserves
10 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 2.9 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 3% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 7% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 4% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1588% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 18 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
Strong: 90 out of 100. Higher than 48% of charities in its peer group (human services, $1m to $10m).
Independent board
25 of 2518 of 18 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
0 of 10Did not give 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 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)
- $3.8 million spent. YMCA Child Care Services (Approx. 550 children) - The child care programs offered by the YMCA provide an important service to the working parents in the Altavista community who need an affordable, professional, caring, and educational environment for their children. As families struggle with work/life balance issues, the child care programs are an important part of the YMCA's mission to strengthen families and promote healthy relationships.
- $820,410 spent. YMCA Program Activities - A large number of Altavista area residents benefit from the many sports, fitness, and social programs offered by the YMCA in the furtherance of its goals to promote youth development and healthy lifestyles for everyone. The programs bring families together offering sport, recreational, and social networks that build relationships and strengthen bonds.
- $312,823 spent. YMCA Membership Services - Participants strive to achieve the development of Christian personalities through the improvement of physical, social, moral, and religious conditions of persons in the Altavista, Virginia area.
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
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 August 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 July 1961.
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.