About the YMCA
America’s 2,663 YMCAs serve more than 20.2 million people each year, uniting men, women and children of all ages, races, faiths, backgrounds, abilities and income levels. At the heart of community life across America, mission-driven YMCAs are a place to belong and to live the values that guide and unite our members: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
From cities to suburbs to small towns, YMCAs serve America's children, families and communities by “building healthy spirit, mind and body for all.” Across the country, 67.7 million households and 33.7 million children 14 and under live within three miles of a YMCA. Fifty-eight percent of Ys (1,496) serve communities where the median family income is below the national average.
2006 Statistics
People served |
|
17 and under |
9,406,473 |
18 and over |
10,818,896 |
Men |
10,115,086 |
Women |
10,110,283 |
Registered members |
12,450,388 |
Program members |
7,774,981 |
|
|
Volunteers |
563,282 |
Program |
510,282 |
Policy/board |
53,000 |
|
|
Total revenue |
$5.62 billion |
Contributed income |
$933 million |
Government grants/contracts |
$601 million |
|
|
Number of YMCAs |
2,663 |
Member Associations |
967 |
Branches |
1,696 |
Children and Youth
Every day, Ys help children and youth to deepen positive values, their commitment to service and their motivation to learn. Together, YMCAs are the nation’s largest provider of child care, with nearly 10,000 child care sites across the country that provide high-quality, affordable care to more than 500,000 children. Ys give financial assistance to 20 percent of kids in child care programs.
Health and Well-being for All
YMCAs are working to combat rising levels of obesity and promote healthy living for millions of Americans through YMCA Activate America®. Three-fifths of YMCAs (1,525) have committed to this bold approach to directly address the nation’s growing health crisis by engaging communities across the country to support people of all ages in their pursuit of well-being in spirit, mind and body. Learn more about YMCA Activate America.
Family Strengthening
Ys help families build stronger bonds, achieve greater work/life balance and become more engaged with their communities. Millions of families participate in YMCA programs. Nearly 900 YMCAs offer family-specific programs: 621 provide family fitness programs, 250 offer family camp, and 672 offer Adventure Guides or similar programs that have been bringing parents and children together since 1926. Learn more about YMCA Resources for Families.
Volunteers
Volunteer founded and volunteer led, YMCAs depend on the generosity and dedication of their 563,282 volunteers across the country to meet the unique needs of each community. Volunteers are at the center of YMCA operations—from reading to preschoolers to teaching swimming and working with seniors. They also serve on policymaking boards that set the strategic direction for their YMCA and partner with professional staff to ensure that each Y is mission driven.
International Reach
YMCAs are also at work abroad, serving more than 45 million people in 120 countries. Through cross-cultural learning opportunities and international partnerships and programs, YMCAs in the U.S. have worldwide impact, providing guidance and support, building strong local leadership, and improving the health of families and communities across the globe. Learn more about YMCA World Service.
Collaborations
Each year, YMCAs partner with numerous local organizations to develop and implement effective, collaborative programs and community-based solutions. In fact, the nation’s YMCAs collectively represent the largest collaborative organization in the country.
Collaborated with |
Number of YMCAs |
Elementary Schools |
1,746 |
Middle Schools |
1,379 |
High Schools |
1,363 |
Colleges |
966 |
Home School Programs |
866 |
Charter Schools |
447 |
Churches |
1,466 |
Community Health and Well-being Coalitions |
723 |
Juvenile Courts |
498 |
Youth Agencies |
633 |
"Love is the Bottomline" -- a song for the YMCA
Carrie Newcomer, a great friend of the YMCA and member of the family at the YMCA in Bloomington, Ind., was invited to partner with YMCA of the USA on this song. It is a reminder that "love is the bottomline" of all that we do each day in the YMCA. Click here to listen and download "Love is the Bottomline."
FAQs
For more information, see Frequently Asked Questions About the YMCA.