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Young Mens Christian Association of the East Bay

EIN 94-1156635 · Berkeley, CA

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

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood89 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

FOUNDED IN 1903, THE YMCA ( "Y") IS ONE OF THE OLDEST HUMAN SERVICES ORGANIZATIONS IN THE EAST BAY AND A LEADER IN PROVIDING INNOVATIVE PROGRAMS TO EMPOWER YOUTH, ADVANCE HEALTH, AND STRENGTHEN COMMUNITIES. THE Y SERVES MORE THAN 65,000 PEOPLE EACH YEAR WITH PRIORITIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND HEALTHY COMMUNITES.

Income
$101.1 million
Spending
$89.6 million
Spent on programs
93%
Reserves
7 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 56%
Employees
1,565
Volunteers
200
Highest pay
$471,071, president & ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 89 out of 100. Higher than 89% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 7.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    16 of 20

    It owes 27% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 11% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 21% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 1 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 29% of charities in its peer group (human services, over $100m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    32 of 32 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.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • 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 June 30, 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. $69.3 million spent. Youth Development - The YMCA believes every child deserves the opportunity to discover their full potential and is dedicated to nurturing the growth of all children and teens. Through a broad range of programs, the YMCA equips young people with the values, skills, and relationships that promote positive behaviors, improved health, and academic achievement. Early childhood programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, and state-funded childcare and preschool help bridge the opportunity gap by supporting children's emotional, social, and cognitive development. Families receive access to health services, counseling, and goal-setting initiatives, particularly for those impacted by trauma. In addition, youth development programs-including after-school enrichment, summer and resident camps, youth sports, and swim instruction-help children build confidence, develop leadership skills, and thrive in safe, supportive environments.
  2. $12.9 million spent. Healthy Communities - The YMCA is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities by promoting regular physical activity and lifelong wellness. Recognizing that societal and financial barriers can make it difficult for many to lead healthy lives, the YMCA offers inclusive fitness opportunities and wellness programs that meet participants where they are-through individual coaching, group exercise, aquatics, and chronic disease prevention programs. These initiatives encourage healthy habits, foster community connection, and empower participants to achieve sustainable improvements in physical and mental health.
  3. $1.1 million spent. Social Responsibility - The YMCA supports community well-being by offering programs that are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to local needs. Efforts include initiatives that promote community health-such as advocating for safe routes to school, fostering walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and supporting access to healthy food. The YMCA also manages a small residential housing program at its Berkeley branch, providing safe and affordable accommodations and supportive services for individuals with limited financial resources. In addition, the YMCA hosts events and programs throughout the year that celebrate diversity, strengthen community connections, and foster a sense of belonging.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 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 June 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 January 1943.

    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.