Young Mens Christian Association of Northwest North Carolina
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
Helping all people reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind and body. The Y strives to strengthen the foundations of the communities we serve through programs and services that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility for all. See Schedule O for values and other pertinent information.
- Income
- $38.6 million
- Spending
- $37.9 million
- Spent on programs
- 86%
- Reserves
- 0.6 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 81%
- Employees
- 2,099
- Volunteers
- 3,185
- Highest pay
- $391,203, president/ceo
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
Fair: 57 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
4 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 0.6 months of spending.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 30% of what it owns.
Living within its means
12 of 15Income exceeded spending by 2% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 3% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1586% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 23 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 35% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Independent board
25 of 2530 of 30 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
10 of 10Gave 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 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 (3)
- $23.3 million spent. Healthy Living - The Y is a widely recognized expert in the field of holistic well-being. Our work ensures that families are strengthened, connections are developed, and communities are improved because of our dedication to ensuring all feel a sense of belonging when they are at the Y. Shared experiences allow people, who would not typically interact in their day to day lives, the opportunity to learn from one another and find common ground. Our unique environment fosters that understanding, and as a result, our communities are better equipped to deal with societal challenges. We are particularly aware of the mental health benefit derived from regular exercise shared with others on the same journey to improve overall wellness. Our Ys are a hub for all as they seek to maintain a high quality of life through exercise, friendship, improved nutrition, and maintaining healthy habits. Our programs are available to all, regardless of faith, income, or background. For additional information regarding these vital offerings and their impact, please see Schedule O. 1. The time-honored YMCA triangle holds spirit, mind, and body in equal measure. A diverse range of health and fitness pursuits for all interests and activity levels encourage all to reach their God-given potential in spirit, mind, and body. YMCA wellness programs help participants achieve this unity through promotion of exercise, proper nutrition, and education. Focused attention on mental health ensures that individuals attain a proper balance both mentally and spiritually. 2. YMCA facilities afford members a wide range of wellness activities, including group exercise, classes, strength training, personal fitness, cycling, aquatic programs, and other fitness classes, such as pickleball. Healthy exercise habits form most readily when individuals discover activities which are fun and challenging. Trained staff on our Y team connect our members with options that offer healthy benefits, helping them live longer, healthier, more fulfilling lives. 3. Group exercise classes are a staple of the YMCA experience. Not only do participants engage in a great workout, they find new friends and gain motivation to focus on their fitness. Enthusiastic, certified instructors lead an expansive offering of classes, ranging from Boot Camp to Yoga to group exercise, all of which provide physical challenge and the accompanying psychological benefits of regular exercise. 4. Adult cancer survivors find engagement and support through the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. The evidence-based, 12-week program couples physical activity with a well-being focus to help participants achieve holistic health goals. Not only does this program benefit the individual cancer survivor, it ministers to the family as well by providing a free Y membership to the entire family for the session's duration. In 2025, we were able to serve 120 participants in a safe, in-person environment. 5. The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program (YDPP) utilizes behavioral change to help participants reduce their likelihood of chronic disease. Adults at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes reduce their risk for the disease by taking steps to improve their health and well-being. Participants engage in a small-group to learn about healthy eating and increased physical activity to reduce their risk for developing diabetes. The evidence-based program, offered in both English and Spanish, spans 12-months with 16 weekly sessions followed by monthly maintenance. It is classroom based and can be delivered both in-person and virtually. Goals include reduction of body weight by 5-7% and participation in 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Participants must be at least 18 years of age, overweight with a BMI of > 25, and at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes or a current diagnosis of being prediabetic. The YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program is nationally supported by the Diabetes Prevention and Control Alliance and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During 2025, 21 utilized this life-changing program, offered both in-person and virtually. 6. LifeStyle 360 is an 8-week comprehensive weight loss program. The program is designed to motivate and guide participants in their journey to establish healthy new habits that support sustainable weight loss. Participants receive routine communication and are highly encouraged in this small group setting to implement newly learned strategies that promote lifelong changes around managing their weight. During 2025, 77 participants experienced this life-changing program. 7. Adult Sports Leagues posted a robust return in 2025. From basketball and volleyball to kickball and dodgeball, 354 adults found fun ways to stay healthy and active. The opportunity of enjoying teamwork, socialization and physical activity while engaging in friendly competition has attracted men and women of all ages and skill levels to our leagues. 8. Moving for Better Balance (MFBB) is a fall prevention program which helps senior adults defy the limitations of impaired balance and decreased mobility. MFBB is a 12-week evidence-based, instructor-led group program that helps participants improve their strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility through slow, therapeutic movements based on Tai Chi. In 2025, 79 individuals were served through this program. 9. The Y appeals to a broad cross-section of our community to set and achieve physical fitness goals through YMCA Races and Triathlon events. These events are open to the community and support financial scholarships. The 42st Annual YMCA Mistletoe Run attracted 3,552 runners, with 791 participants in the Fun Run, 1,895 competitors in the 5K and 866 runners in the Half Marathon. The race supports the Y's efforts to fight childhood obesity in our community, where 41% of children in Forsyth County are considered overweight or obese - more than twice the national average. The race, held in December at the William G. White, Jr. Family YM
- $8.3 million spent. Youth Development - The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina is committed to helping maximize the potential in every child and teen. All kids are worthy of discovering who they are and what they can achieve, so we offer environments of exploration coupled with strong mentorship. At the YMCA, young people cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, and educational achievement. YMCA programs such as Child Care, Camping, Youth and Government, Black Achievers, and Reaching Our Potential offer a range of experiences that enrich cognitive, social, physical, and emotional growth. Our expenses in this endeavor include subsidies and direct financial scholarships that are the singular pathway for engagement for many of these young people. For additional details regarding these critical programs and their impact, see Schedule O. Child Care 1. Our before/after and out of school programs providing child care for children ages 5-15 meet the needs of working families throughout the school years. Programs include sports, group games, values education, asset development, healthy snacks and tutoring while serving 1,961 youth (259 before school and 1,527 after school, 175 in both programs) from 45 schools at 25 school sites, and 10 YMCA branches. 2. In 2025, the YMCA provided a nutritious snack to children in 9 primarily at-risk afterschool care sites. During both Before and After School, the Y served approximately 142,282 snacks and/or meals through funding from the NCDHHS Child and Adult Care Food Program, and another 31,460 funded though program fees. In addition to the healthy snack, the kids also participated in physical activities and healthy lifestyle tutoring. 3. YMCA programs are designed to help children reach their full potential in a safe, supportive environment regardless of their family's circumstances. Financial scholarship policies help all people gain access to the YMCA, regardless of income level. Education & Leadership 1. YMCA Summer Learning Academy addresses the learning loss experienced during the summer months away from structured classrooms. Children struggle to catch up, and those students from families lacking adequate resources face more challenges in their academic progress. Key areas such as reading and math are predictors of future academic success. If students do not read on grade level by the end of third grade, the probability that they will graduate high school decreases dramatically. The YMCA Summer Learning Academy is working to change those odds. In 2025, 85 academically at-risk children attended the program. The program's elementary curriculum includes math and reading tutoring by certified teachers, health and wellness information on nutrition and physical activity, computer labs, and enrichment components such as science, character development, the arts and humanities, as well as educational field trips. As part of the program, parents attended weekly meetings, offered in English and Spanish, which provided information on family topics like how to best communicate with teachers or support children in school. The program is available at no cost to families. Of the students both pre- and post-tested, more than 80% have increased and/or maintained their grade level in math and/or reading. 2. The 21st CCLC program is authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The program provides before and after-school, weekend, and summer school academic enrichment opportunities for children attending low-performing schools to help them meet local and state academic standards in subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science. In addition, programs may provide activities for youth development, drug and violence prevention, art, music, technology, character education, counseling, and recreation to enhance the program's academic components. The program also supports a component for family literacy and community outreach. During 2025, the Y provided two 21st Century Community Learning Center Programs in Wilkes and Davie counties with a focus on at-risk elementary and middle school students. These 21st CCLC programs served four elementary and one middle schools. Wilkes County served two sites during after-school hours Monday through Friday with an enrollment of 48 students throughout the school year. They also provided a seven-week summer program at one site to approximately 25 elementary and middle students. Davie County served three sites during after-school hours Monday through Friday with an enrollment of approximately 141 students throughout the school year. They also provided a seven-week summer program at one site to approximately 31 elementary students. The program components consist of homework assistance and tutoring, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities, a healthy snack, physical fitness, health emphasis, enrichment, and family nights. The program aims to lower the achievement gap, reduce disciplinary actions and involvement in juvenile crime, improve school attendance, increase parental involvement, improve health and nutrition practices, focus on social and emotional needs of the students and provide strong character development opportunities. 3. Our Youth & Government (YAG) Program introduces local high school students to the legislative process of city, county, state, national, and international governments through a hands-on approach. Programs such as Youth Legislature (culminating with a weekend trip to the state capital in Raleigh where the students author, introduce and vote to accept or reject bills of their own creation), Conference on National Affairs, and Model United Nations enable young people to prepare for moral and political leadership through training in the theory and practice of developing public policy. Students sharpen their leadership skills and improve their problem solving and critical thinking abilities while becoming more adept at deba
- $792,310 spent. Social Responsibility - Giving back to our communities and responding to neighbors in need is central to the YMCA's beliefs. For over 137 years, we have been at the forefront of addressing societal needs. In 2025, we provided over $2.9 million of direct financial assistance and over $3.4 million of community benefit to people who otherwise would have faced economic barriers to participation. Y programs, such as our literacy initiative/English as a second language, Let's Get Fit (reaching adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with fitness and socialization opportunities), and partnerships with under-served communities are only a few examples of how we deliver training, resources, and support to enhance the lives of our neighbors. We celebrate strong, inclusive communities FOR ALL. In 2025, we engaged over 122,000 YMCA members, participants, and volunteers in activities that strengthen our community and pave the way for future generations to thrive. For additional details regarding these critical programs and their impact, see Schedule O. 1. Financial Scholarship Policy: The heart of the YMCA's mission is to reach out and serve people in our communities who are in need. The YMCA strives to turn no one away due to an inability to pay a program or membership fee. Our Open Doors Program allows individuals and families to access YMCA membership and programs on a sliding-fee scale that responds to individual circumstances (e.g. job loss, overwhelming medical bills, living on a fixed income, etc.). Applications and awards of financial assistance are reviewed periodically to determine if the same level of award is appropriate. Adjustments can be made if circumstances have changed for the recipient. During 2025, the YMCA gladly awarded $2,965,180 of financial scholarships for Y programs and membership fees to 12,346 individuals. 2. The Y's core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith inspire us to ensure everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and be authentic in all aspects of life. Together, we celebrate strong, inclusive communities FOR ALL. In 2025, YMCA continued to weave inclusivity into all that we do and aided in the development of our overall strategic plan. Our Boys and Young Men of Color (BYMOC) areas of action included the continuance and growth of Reaching Our Potential, a YMCA of NWNC initiative that gives youth in crisis a free Y membership and access to other opportunities at the Y, the continuation of Teen Talks, where topics relevant to students are explored in partnership with community organizations, and sustained advocacy work to partner with local schools to meet and network with students of color. Our Chaplaincy program continued to impact our whole association, thanks to the addition of 7 volunteer chaplains serving at 9 locations. We also held a very successful Welcoming Week event in September, allowing us to celebrate the diversity of our communities, bringing together newcomers and long-standing residents to build mutual understanding. 3. Education is a focus of much of our volunteer work at the Y, as we seek to help all fulfill their God-given potential. Improving literacy levels is a key component of this work. The YMCA of NWNC provides adult and family literacy services at no cost to participants in our Literacy Program. In Forsyth County alone, approximately 43 volunteers provided one-on-one and small group tutoring to our adult reading and English-as-a-Second language learners. In 2025, these volunteers along with program staff tutored 314 individuals in the Adult and Family Literacy programs, helping them attain their goals of entering employment, job training or GED programs, or becoming better equipped to partner in their children's education. The literacy program attained a 37.6% MSG gain that means participants moved to the next level, obtained a secondary school diploma or equivalent, achieved a milestone or passed a technical/occupational knowledge-based exam. The United Way of Forsyth County, North Carolina Community Colleges System and donations to the YMCA Annual Impact Fund funds the YMCA Literacy Program. 4. The Y partnered with the American Red Cross to offer blood drives at multiple branches in 2025. Our branches hosted 55 blood drives, collecting 1,303 pints of blood and saving 3,909 lives (based on calculations from the Red Cross). 5. For the summer of 2025, YMCA Camp Hanes was among the accredited YMCA and 4-H camps across the nation to collaborate with Camp Corral - a free, one-of-a-kind, weeklong summer camp serving the children of fallen and disabled military personnel. It is our honor to provide an incredible camp experience for the children of those who have served. YMCA Camp Hanes hosted 273 children for a fun-filled week that included a variety of camp activities. The kids get to enjoy the freedom of camp while interacting with others who have similar life experiences. 6. At YMCA Camp Hanes, the Outdoor Education Program takes classroom lessons and brings them to life with educational, hands-on activities that complement the curriculum based on the North Carolina State Standard Course of Study for Education. Students can apply classroom lessons in a real-life, outdoor field setting, and engaging learners in new ways to spark creativity and curiosity. Not only do students gain hands-on knowledge of concepts, the time at camp also exposes them to opportunities to understand their classmates more fully. This different setting encourages cooperation and teamwork. Trained professionals facilitate the learning experience through group work, guided discovery, participatory discussions, and fun activities. In 2025, 5,383 participants enjoyed this experiential learning opportunity at YMCA Camp Hanes. 7. Non-summer Conference/Retreat Programs are designed to allow campers the same opportunities as a resident camper, but on a smaller scale over a long weekend. The Conference Center at YMCA Camp
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
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 October 13, 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 December 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 October 1942.
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 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.