The six founders were: Its objects and purposes were: "Mutual aid and benevolence, the moral, social, and intellectual improvement of its members, and the proper development of sentiments of devotion to the Catholic Church and loyalty to our country, in accordance with its motto, 'Pro Deo, Pro Patria': 'For God, For Country'".
The organization spread through the United States, Canada and related territories, Hawaii and the Philippines.
The Young Men's Institute (YMI) is still active in a number of Catholic parishes in California, Hawaii and Indiana.
In addition, the YMI hosts various sporting tournaments (i.e. bowling, golf and bocce ball), as well as an annual Red & White Mass (celebrating its anniversary) each March and a pasta bingo dinner each November.
Through foundations under the YMI banner, the organization provides tuition assistance for the children of members that become deceased, as well as scholarships for seminarians to ease their path to the priesthood.