Young Mens Christian Association of Columbia Willamette
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The YMCA of Columbia-Willamette works to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through programs that strengthen youth, support families, improve health, and build connected communities. During the year, the YMCA strengthened communities across Oregon and Southwest Washington by serving 15,554 members and engaging 9,012 participants in childcare, youth development, camp, aquatics, wellness, and community programs that promote healthy living, youth success, and social connection. The YMCA provided more than $730,000 in financial assistance, helping more than 1,100 individuals and families access programs and services regardless of income. Through this commitment to accessibility and belonging, the YMCA helps create stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
- Income
- $19.7 million
- Spending
- $20.5 million
- Spent on programs
- 82%
- Reserves
- -0.4 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 87%
- Employees
- 788
- Volunteers
- 557
- Highest pay
- $144,704, ceo/president
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
Weak: 49 out of 100. Higher than 27% of charities in its peer group (human services, $10m to $100m).
Reserves
0 of 35Spendable reserves are negative: it owes or has committed more than it holds.
Debt
16 of 20It owes 18% of what it owns.
Living within its means
8 of 15Spending exceeded income by 4% of income.
Income trend
10 of 15Income fell 0% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1582% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 18 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 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
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)
- $12.8 million spent. FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT The YMCA helps young people build confidence, resilience, healthy relationships, and lifelong skills through childcare, youth sports, camps, enrichment programs, and leadership development opportunities. Programs support school readiness, physical and emotional well-being, leadership development, and belonging while providing safe and supportive environments for children and teens throughout the region. The YMCA operates licensed childcare programs that support working families while helping children develop socially, emotionally, and academically. Serving 2,386 children annually, these programs provide safe, nurturing environments that promote early learning, school readiness, healthy development, and reliable care that enables families to work and thrive. YMCA youth sports programs help young people develop teamwork, confidence, leadership, healthy habits, and positive relationships while increasing physical activity and promoting lifelong wellness. Programs are designed to be accessible to youth of all ages and abilities and emphasize personal growth, sportsmanship, and inclusion. YMCA Camp Collins provides outdoor education, leadership development, and character-building experiences that help young people develop independence, confidence, resilience, and connection to nature. Through overnight camp, outdoor school, and group experiences, Camp Collins served 1,107 overnight camp and summer residents this year, while also providing outdoor learning and retreat experiences for schools, families, and community groups, including many participants who receive financial assistance to ensure access regardless of family income. The YMCA advances healthy living through wellness programs, aquatics, fitness opportunities, and chronic disease prevention initiatives that help individuals of all ages improve physical health, reduce social isolation, and strengthen overall well-being.
- $3.9 million spent. FOR HEALTHY LIVING Because the Association believes it has a responsibility to make a positive and measurable impact on the community's health, we directly leverage a mission centered on the balance of spirit, mind and body to strengthen and expand program offerings that bring families closer together, encourage healthy lifestyles and foster connections with others. HEALTH AND WELLNESS programs are designed to develop and maintain the well-being of participants through life-long programs that promote a healthy lifestyle. Activities are provided to support mental, physical and spiritual health. Participation in the Association's health and wellness programs offer opportunities for friendship and community, a sense of well-being, self-confidence and improved mental abilities and cognition.
- $196,014 spent. FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Because the Association believes in fostering the care and respect all people in need, it thoughtfully listens and aggressively responds to communities' most critical social needs. OPEN TO ALL: The Association welcomes individuals from all incomes, ages and abilities. The YMCA serves tens of thousands of people in diverse communities within the Columbia-Willamette area. The Association brings together young and old, men and women, people of all faiths, backgrounds and incomes. Last year the Association provided over $730,000 in scholarships, underwritten or sponsored programs and services for children, youth and families.
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 September 7, 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 September 30, 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 September 10, 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 September 7, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since March 1934.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 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 7, 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.