Charity Report

  • Issued: February 2025
  • Expires: February 2027

YMCA of Greater Houston

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

713-659-5566

1331 Augusta Dr
Houston, TX 77057-2415

https://www.ymcahouston.org

713-659-5566

1331 Augusta Dr
Houston, TX 77057-2415

https://www.ymcahouston.org

Accredited Charity

Meets Standards

Standards For Charity Accountability

Governance

  1. Board Oversight

    Oversight of Operations and Staff: Standard 1

    Description
    Organizations shall have a board of directors that provides adequate oversight of the charity's operations and its staff. Indication of adequate oversight includes, but is not limited to, regularly scheduled appraisals of the CEO's performance, evidence of disbursement controls such as board approval of the budget, fundraising practices, establishment of a conflict of interest policy, and establishment of accounting procedures sufficient to safeguard charity finances.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Board Size

    Number of Board Members: Standard 2

    Description
    Soliciting organizations shall have a board of directors with a minimum of five voting members.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Board Meetings

    Frequency and Attendance of Board Meetings: Standard 3

    Description
    An organization shall have a minimum of three evenly spaced meetings per year of the full governing body with a majority in attendance, with face-to-face participation. A conference call of the full board can substitute for one of the three meetings of the governing body. For all meetings, alternative modes of participation are acceptable for those with physical disabilities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Board Compensation

    Compensated Board Members: Standard 4

    Description
    Not more than one or 10% (whichever is greater) directly or indirectly compensated person(s) serving as voting member(s) of the board. Compensated members shall not serve as the board's chair or treasurer.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Conflict of Interest

    Conflict of Interest: Standard 5

    Description
    No transaction(s) in which any board or staff members have material conflicting interests with the charity resulting from any relationship or business affiliation. Factors that will be considered when concluding whether or not a related party transaction constitutes a conflict of interest and if such a conflict is material, include, but are not limited to: any arm's length procedures established by the charity; the size of the transaction relative to like expenses of the charity; whether the interested party participated in the board vote on the transaction; if competitive bids were sought and whether the transaction is one-time, recurring or ongoing.

    The organization meets this standard.

Measuring Effectiveness

  1. Effectiveness Policy

    Board Policy on Effectiveness: Standard 6

    Description
    Have a board policy of assessing, no less than every two years, the organization's performance and effectiveness and of determining future actions required to achieve its mission.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Effectiveness Report

    Board Approval of Written Report on Effectiveness: Standard 7

    Description
    Submit to the organization's governing body, for its approval, a written report that outlines the results of the aforementioned performance and effectiveness assessment and recommendations for future actions.

    The organization meets this standard.

Finances

  1. Program Expenses

    Program Service Expense Ratio: Standard 8

    Description
    Spend at least 65% of its total expenses on program activities.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Fundraising Expenses

    Fundraising Expense Ratio: Standard 9

    Description
    Spending should be no more than 35% of related contributions on fundraising. Related contributions include donations, legacies, and other gifts received as a result of fundraising efforts.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Accumulating Funds

    Ending Net Assets: Standard 10

    Description
    Avoid accumulating funds that could be used for current program activities. To meet this standard, the charity's unrestricted net assets available for use should not be more than three times the size of the past year's expenses or three times the size of the current year's budget, whichever is higher.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Audit Report

    Financial Statements: Standard 11

    Description
    Make available to all, on request, complete annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. When total annual gross income exceeds $1 million, these statements should be audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $1 million, a review by a certified public accountant is sufficient to meet this standard. For charities whose annual gross income is less than $250,000, an internally produced, complete financial statement is sufficient to meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Detailed Expense Breakdown

    Detailed Functional Breakdown of Expenses: Standard 12

    Description
    Include in the financial statements a breakdown of expenses (e.g., salaries, travel, postage, etc.) that shows what portion of these expenses was allocated to program, fundraising, and administrative activities. If the charity has more than one major program category, the schedule should provide a breakdown for each category.

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Accurate Expense Reporting

    Accuracy of Expenses in Financial Statements: Standard 13

    Description
    Accurately report the charity's expenses, including any joint cost allocations, in its financial statements. For example, audited or unaudited statements which inaccurately claim zero fundraising expenses or otherwise understate the amount a charity spends on fundraising, and/or overstate the amount it spends on programs will not meet this standard.

    The organization meets this standard.

  7. Budget Plan

    Budget: Standard 14

    Description
    Have a board-approved annual budget for its current fiscal year, outlining projected expenses for major program activities, fundraising, and administration.

    The organization meets this standard.

Fundraising & Info

  1. Truthful Materials

    Misleading Appeals: Standard 15

    Description
    Have solicitations and informational materials, distributed by any means, that are accurate, truthful and not misleading, both in whole and in part. Appeals that omit a clear description of program(s) for which contributions are sought will not meet this standard. A charity should also be able to substantiate that the timing and nature of its expenditures are in accordance with what is stated, expressed, or implied in the charity's solicitations.

    The organization meets this standard.

  2. Annual Report

    Annual Report: Standard 16

    Description
    Have an annual report available to all, on request, that includes: (a) the organization's mission statement, (b) a summary of the past year's program service accomplishments, (c) a roster of the officers and members of the board of directors, (d) financial information that includes (i) total income in the past fiscal year, (ii) expenses in the same program, fundraising and administrative categories as in the financial statements, and (iii) ending net assets.

    The organization meets this standard.

  3. Website Disclosures

    Web Site Disclosures: Standard 17

    Description
    Include on any charity websites that solicit contributions, the same information that is recommended for annual reports, as well as the mailing address of the charity and electronic access to its most recent IRS Form 990.

    The organization meets this standard.

  4. Donor Privacy

    Privacy for Written Appeals & Internet Privacy: Standard 18

    Description
    Address privacy concerns of donors by (a) providing in written appeals, at least annually, a means (e.g., such as a check off box) for both new and continuing donors to inform the charity if they do not want their name and address shared outside the organization, (b) providing a clear, prominent and easily accessible privacy policy on any of its websites that tells visitors (i) what information, if any, is being collected about them by the charity and how this information will be used, (ii) how to contact the charity to review personal information collected and request corrections, (iii) how to inform the charity (e.g., a check off box) that the visitor does not wish his/her personal information to be shared outside the organization, and (iv) what security measures the charity has in place to protect personal information.

    The organization meets this standard.

  5. Cause Marketing Disclosures

    Cause Related Marketing: Standard 19

    Description
    Clearly disclose how the charity benefits from the sale of products or services (i.e., cause-related marketing) that state or imply that a charity will benefit from a consumer sale or transaction. Such promotions should disclose, at the point of solicitation: (a) the actual or anticipated portion of the purchase price that will benefit the charity (e.g., 5 cents will be contributed to abc charity for every xyz company product sold), (b) the duration of the campaign (e.g., the month of October), (c) any maximum or guaranteed minimum contribution amount (e.g., up to a maximum of $200,000).

    The organization meets this standard.

  6. Complaints

    Complaints: Standard 20

    Description
    Respond promptly to and act on complaints brought to its attention by the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and/or local Better Business Bureaus about fundraising practices, privacy policy violations and/or other issues.

    The organization meets this standard.

Conclusion

YMCA of Greater Houston meets the 20 Standards for Charity Accountability.

Purpose

  • Year, State Incorporated

    1889, TX

  • Stated Purpose

    To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA is a community service organization dedicated to developing strong kids, strong families, and strong communities and developing enduring moral values among children, youth, and families.


  • Also Known As:

    Alief YMCA, South Montgomery County YMCA, Edgar A. Smith YMCA, Smith, Edgar A., YMCA of Greater Houston - Weekley Family YMCA, Ley, Wendell D. YMCA, Wendell D. Ley YMCA, YMCA, YMCA-North Harris Co, YMCA Cypress Creek, YMCA of Greater Houston Fort Bend Family, YMCA Houston-Pearland, Conroe Family YMCA (Childcare), YMCA - Lake Houston, YMCA - Katy, YMCA International Service, Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, Brenda & John Duncan Family YMCA, YMCA East Montgomery County, Perry Family YMCA

Programs

For more than 135 years, the YMCA of Greater Houston hascreated inclusive communities to ensure that everyone has equal opportunity. TheYMCA of Greater Houston is committed to building strong communities byproviding resources for families to live their fullest and healthiest lives. Asa result of YMCA Membership and Programs elevating the degree of connectedness,belonging and achievement experienced by its residents of the Greater Houstonregion, a community transformation will occur resulting in empowered youth, healthierfamilies and more inclusive communities.The YMCA of Greater Houston is the 4th largestYMCA in the country with an expansive 10,000 square mile service area thatspans 11 counties. During 2023, The YMCA of Gretar Houston operated 21Membership Centers, 1 Overnight Camp, 4 Adaptive sites, 42 Outreach sites, and238 After-school and early care sites resulting in 380,648 people served throughmembership and programs while also awarding $28.9MM in financial assistance.Membership,175,000 Members At theYMCA, membership is one way that we strengthen the bonds of community.Membership at the Y is more than buildings and programs. It providesopportunity for everyone in our community to achieve, connect and belong. Atthe Y membership means more than fitness. It means you are part of thetransformative work we do in the community to strengthen families, empoweryouth and support inclusive communities.Empowered Youth Teens, 63,000 of people served at the Y are ages 10 though 19Through Y Teen L.I.F.E.(Leadership, Inspiration, Fellowship, Education), the YMCA remains committed toengaging youth ages 12 through 18 with opportunities engineered to help themrealize what they’re capable of achieving. Whether through cultivating leadership,encouraging a culture of service, helping them with college prep or ensuringthey’re equipped with workforce skills, the YMCA helps ensure all teens receivean equitable opportunity to learn, thrive and affect change in their community.Youth Sports, 14,800 youth The YMCA of Greater Houstonempowers youth by providing programming designed to better prepare youth fortheir futures with skills, confidence and social awareness. Whether it'sthrough flag football, soccer, baseball and more, our youth sports programsprovide a fun, positive experience for kids and their families whileencouraging fundamental skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship. The YMCAof Greater Houston offers a variety of youth sports where our sports staff,coaches and volunteers all share a singular vision of helping all youth reachtheir full potential in life. Our sports programs are for all, helping to buildconfidence and positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship andteamwork.YMCA Camp Cullen, 8,000 youth and adult campers In an effort to provide fun, structure andeducational opportunities for children outside of school, the YMCA Camp Cullenexperience is an opportunity for young campers to gain independence, buildself-worth and create lifelong friendships. Camp Cullen serves children withemotional and adaptive needs, encourages peer engagement and developsleadership skills through summer camps and weekend retreats.Before and After School Care, 8,000 youth through 194 Out of School Time SitesOut of School Time programs are more than aplace to go as these after-school hours shape children for the rest of theirlives. These high-quality, interest-based activities support development andhelp to develop confidence, strong character and opportunities to discoverinterests. Early Care, 44 sitesStarting at the infant level, youthin the YMCA’s Early Care programs are introduced to daily instruction thatfocuses on routines and experiences. As a first-step in the path to educationalprogression, early care activities are designed to meet the growth anddevelopmental needs of each child with a whole-child approach.Youth Enrichment Creative play is more than just fun andgames. Our centers offer arts and education classes for youth and teensincluding dance, theater, visual arts, home school programs and more.Day Camp, 5,000 campers YMCA Summer Day Camp offers a safe andhealthy atmosphere where youth can enjoy their summer break. Special emphasisis placed on youth choice, achievement and a sense of belonging, with excitingthemed weeks, sports, games, new friends and adventure. Other activities mayinclude creative and performing arts, archery, engineering and natureexploration. At the Y, your kids will leave ordinary at the door and prepare tolearn and grow with positive role models encouraging campers to take on newchallenges.All of our camps include a mix of indoorand outdoor activities in a group setting at YMCA locations across the Houstonarea. Campers are sure to discover unexpected fun! Activities may include art,STEAM activities, theatre, sports and outdoor games, literacy, group games andbig events. Your child is sure to make their mark this summer at the YMCA.HealthierFamiliesSafety Around Water, 3,800 participantsThe YMCA's Safety Around Water program aimsto eliminate drowning by promoting awareness and education through basic swimskills through community partnerships, such as apartments, school districts andother organizations.Aquatics Programs, 13,000 participantsNo matter the age, swimming is a vitalskill. Whether ensuring people know how to survive in emergency situations orin offering an alternative form of exercise, the YMCA of Greater Houston’saquatics programs have a profound impact on the Greater Houston Community. Health and Wellness, 4.17MM fitness facility visitsThrough virtual exercises classes on YMCA360, small class and specialty class offerings, nationally certified personaltrainers and family group exercise, Home School and Martial Arts programs, TheYMCA of Greater Houston offers a variety of programs for all ages to provideeveryone in the community an opportunity to achieve, connect and belong.Inclusive CommunitiesThe YMCA is committed to meeting community needs, fillinggaps and helping all people to learn, grow and thrive. Communities are strongerwhen we all have the opportunity to succeed. We strive to serve all segments ofsociety, build bridges between communities, and advance inclusion. Incommunities across the Greater Houston area, we mobilize local efforts to bringabout lasting and meaningful impact. International Services, 54,000 individuals servedYMCA International Services restore hopeand well-being through client-centered assistance including services torefugees, survivors of human trafficking and other vulnerable newcomers.Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States and YMCAInternational Services aids with advanced economic independence, socialintegration and civic participation. Adaptive Programs for Youth and Adults with Disabilities, 540 participantsAs an all inclusive organization, the YMCAof Greater Houston strives to provide opportunities for all throughout all ofits programming. In the Greater Houston area, there are more than 430,000households that have someone living with a disability. Our organization aims toserve these families through adaptive programs and services, ensuring bothdisabled youth and adults enjoy ample opportunities to learn, grow and thrivein safe, fun atmospheres.ForeverWell, 40,000 participantsThe YMCA offers a variety of opportunitiesfor adults age 55 and better to prevent isolation, stay active, engaged andconnected with others.Physical Benefits: Adults 55 and older areat a higher risk for falls. Regular physical activity builds both muscle andbone strength, increases metabolism, improves balance and mobility, reduces therisk of heart disease and improves overall heart health.Mental Health Benefits: Participating inregular physical activity can also lead to improved mental health and cognitivefunction.Social Benefits: Maintaining strong socialconnections is important for older adults. Our group exercise classes andsocial and learning opportunities provide a great opportunity to meet newfriends and to build connections.Outreach Programs, 6,400 participants served, 2,800 served at Area Food PantriesThe YMCA of Greater Houston isdedicated to building healthier families, connected communities and empoweredyouth in areas where resources are limited. YMCA Outreach teams actively meetcommunity members where they are, working with them to identify needs, anddeliver high-quality programming, such as out of school enrichment, seniorwellness and other supportive services. Y on the Fly, a Mobile Makerspace,brings STEM, coding and robotics to families unable to access Y facilities.Through this program, we aim to empower today’s children to solve tomorrow’sproblems.

For the year ended December 31, 2023, YMCA of Greater Houston program expenses were:

Program Activities - Social responsibility $86,904
Program Activities - Youth development $69,841
Program Activities - Healthy living $41,867
Program Expenses $198,612

Governance & Staff

  • CEO

    Mr. Steve Ives, President and CEO

  • Board Chair

    Mr. Lee A. Lahourcade, Board President

  • Chair's Profession / Business Affiliation

  • Board Size

    45

  • Paid Staff Size

    5616

Fundraising

Method(s) Used:
Invitations to fundraising events, Grant proposals, Internet, Membership appeals, Appeals via Social Media (Facebook, etc.).

% of Related Contributions on Fundraising: 2.05%

Tax Status

This organization is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is eligible to receive contributions deductible as charitable donations for federal income tax purposes.


Financial

The following information is based on YMCA of Greater Houston's Audited financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023

Source of Funds
Financial support from member YMCAs $84,153
Donations in-kind and contributed services $54,719
Contributions $35,970
Government grants $9,330
Program and service revenue $8,433
Allocation of investment earnings for current operations $3,410
World Service campaign $3,118
Royalties and other revenue $1,768
Income from third-party truts $1,407
Total Income $202,308

Breakdown of Expenses

Total Income $202,308
Total Expenses: $212,813
Program Expenses $198,612
Fundraising Expenses $2,115
Administrative Expenses $12,086
Other Expenses $0
Expenses in Excess of Income $10,505
Beginning Net Assets $151,918
Other Changes In Net Assets $16,577
Ending Net Assets $157,990
Total Liabilities $48,144
Total Assets $206,134

An organization may change its practices at any time without notice. A copy of this report has been shared with the organization prior to publication. It is not intended to recommend or deprecate, and is furnished solely to assist you in exercising your own judgment. If the report is about a charity and states the charity meets or does not meet the  Standards for Charity Accountability, it reflects the results of an evaluation of information and materials provided voluntarily by the charity. The name Better Business Bureau ® is a registered service mark of International Association of Better Business Bureaus.

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