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Non-profit

National Council of YMCAs of the USA

Website:

www.ymca.org/
Location:

Chicago, IL
Tax ID:

36-3258696
Tax-Exempt Status:

501(c)(3)

Budget (2020):

Revenue: $117,892,587
Expenses: $125,808,480
Assets: $171,858,697
Type:

National Coalition
Formation:

1851
Executive Director:

Suzanne McCormick

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National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States (National Council of YMCAs of the USA, YMCA of the USA) is the national resource office for the more than 2600 local YMCAs in the U.S. 1 As of February 2023, YMCAs serve 22 million people in 10,000 communities. 2 3 4

YMCA of the USA has expressed support for the far-left Black Lives Matter movement and is committed to the critical race theory-influenced concepts of anti-racism and equity and is committed to “lead with equity.” 5 The organization is on a stated journey to become an “anti-racist organization” in all areas 6 and has faced controversy for local chapters’ responses to incidents allegedly involving minors reporting transgendered women using the women’s locker room in their facilities. 7 8 9

In 2021, YMCA reported revenue of $144,736,724 and expenses of $95,775,668. 10

History and Leadership

The National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations (YMCA) was originally founded in London, England in 1844 in response to perceived harsh social and living conditions in large cities caused by the onset of the industrial revolution. In 1851, the U.K.-based YMCA established the YMCA of the United States of America (YMCA of the USA) at the Old South Church in Boston, Massachusetts. 1112

 

As of February 2023, there are over 2,650 YMCAs across the United States in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. 13 YMCAs serve 22 million people in 10,000 communities across the country and employ 16,500 people. 14 15 16

As of 2023, Suzanne McCormick was the president and CEO of YMCA of the USA. She became CEO of YMCA of the USA in 2021 after having previously worked as president of United Way Worldwide. She held senior roles at the United Way of Florida, United Way Network Partnership, American Red Cross of Southern Maine, and the People’s Regional Opportunity Program in Maine. 17

Activities and Funding

National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States (YMCA of the USA) is the national resource office for the nation’s more than 2,600 YMCAs. 18 YMCA of the USA incorporates nominally Christian principles throughout its work and programming that serves more than 9 million youth at local-level YMCA chapters. 19

YMCA of the USA aims to build the capacity of local YMCAs to develop and strengthen youth through healthy living and social responsibility. YMCA programming often includes camps, education and leadership training, swimming, health and well-being training, fitness, sports, recreation, and volunteerism to advance YMCA’s national goals. 20

Each local YMCA is an independent organization with its own corporate charter. Local YMCA chapters have autonomy but also have a responsibility not to act in a manner which the national board, through its National Committee on Membership Standards, determines adversely impacts the reputation of other member associations, the YMCA brand, or the national YMCA movement. 21

Issue Activism

YMCA of the USA has expressed support for the far-left Black Lives Matter movement and is committed to the critical race theory-influenced concepts of anti-racism and equity, having explicitly stated its commitment to “lead with equity.” 22

YMCA is also committed to being a critical race theory-influenced “anti-racist” and multicultural organization. 23 YMCA of the USA “recognizes the effects of systemic racism show up in every aspect of society,” 24 from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and more. The organization is on a stated journey to become an “anti-racist organization” in all areas. YMCA of the USA also promotes leading social change through critical race theory-influenced anti-racist policies. 25

As a part of its approach to race issues, YMCA of the USA publishes a diversity and inclusion blog and holds itself accountable for “complicity in perpetuating” the critical race theory-influenced concept of systemic racism throughout its 170 years of operation in the United States. 26 YMCA of the USA has expressed a commitment to fostering a culture of truth, reconciliation, transformation, and healing to address these issues. The organization has also partnered with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond to make critical race theory-influenced anti-racism training and resources available to all YMCA staff. 27

YMCA of the USA has imposed standards for “intentional, inclusive language” to make sure people of all “dimensions of diversity” feel included. 28 The organization has also established national employee resource groups for all staff who identify as Asian American Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, women, or young leaders to facilitate peer-to-peer mentorship and support. 29

YMCA of the USA has encouraged its members to support LGBT “pride month” in June and made commitments to various LGBT interests. The organization has also suggested its supporters access resources from left-of-center Trevor Project, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), and the left-of-center Human Rights Campaign on LGBT-related issues. 30

In 2021, YMCA of the USA wrote an open letter congratulating President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for winning the 2020 election. YMCA of the USA previously partnered with the Biden Foundation to work with the LGBT community. 31

YMCA of the USA is partnered with the Walmart Foundation 32 and works with the left-of-center Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to advance the critical race theory-influenced concept of equity. 33

YMCA of the USA also has a political advocacy arm. 34 YMCA of the USA’s 2023 legislative priorities include advancing the critical race theory-influenced concepts of social equity and health equity. 35

In 2021, YMCA of the USA spent $30,817,157 on “social responsibility spending” which included response to the COVID-19 pandemic and welcome centers for new immigrants and Afghan arrivals in the United States. YMCA of the USA also spent $30,562,270 on youth development and civic engagement programs and $22,272,848 on healthy living programs. 36 The organization also operates a welcoming center for new immigrants to the United States that include citizenship classes. 37 38

Controversy

YMCA of the USA local chapters are independent of the national organization but have a responsibility not to act in a manner which the national board, through its National Committee on Membership Standards, determines adversely impacts the reputation of other member associations, the YMCA brand, or the national YMCA movement. 39

Several YMCA chapters, including the YMCA of San Diego County, 40  YMCA of Port Townsend, 41 YMCA of Xenia, have faced controversy for their response to incidents involving minors reporting natal males living as transgender women using women’s locker-room facilities. 42 43 Previously, other local YMCA chapters have instituted policies that allow transgendered individuals to use women’s restrooms. 44

Funding

Grants from YMCA associations across the United States represent the largest source of funding for YMCA of the USA. 45 YMCA of the USA also receives funding from individual donations and grants. 46 Various YMCA chapters have previously received federal funding for health and wellness programs. 47

In 2021, YMCA reported revenue of $144,736,724 and expenses of $95,775,668. 48 In 2020, YMCA of the USA reported revenue of $117,892,587 and expenses of $125,808,480. 49

In 2021, YMCA of the USA received $10 million from the JPB Foundation to scale its local health programs. 50 In 2020, YMCA of the USA received a donation from MacKenzie Scott, former wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. 51

In 2019, received $15,000,000 from the left-of-center Chicago Community Trust. 52 YMCA of the USA also received a $1,000,000 grant from the left-of-center W.K. Kellogg Foundation in 2023. 53

References

  1. “National council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2021. Part I. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YMCA-form-990-2021.pdf.
  2. “Culture.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/careers/culture.
  3. “Overview of the Y in the United States.” YMCA of the USA. June 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2021-06/ymca-national-impact-report.pdf.
  4. “2021 Financial Report.” National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States. December 31, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. Pg. 11. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YUSA-audited-financial-statements-%202021.pdf.
  5. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  6. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  7. WHIO Staff. “Transgender woman facing indecent exposure charges for using female locker room at Xenia YMCA.” WHIO TV7. January 31, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.whio.com/news/local/transgender-woman-facing-indecent-exposure-charges-using-female-locker-room-xenia-ymca/GUBP7X6255EBVMGY3VGFAABM74/.
  8. Reyes, Ronny. “Transgender woman is charged with indecent exposure after stripping down naked and exposing genitals to minor girls in YMCA locker room on three separate occasions.” Daily Mail. February 1, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11703219/Transgender-woman-charged-indecent-exposure-stripping-naked-YMCA-locker-room.html.
  9. Lourgos, Angie Leventis. “New YMCA guidelines support trans bathroom, locker room access.” Chicago Tribune. July 14, 2016. Accessed via Web Archive February 13, 2023. https://archive.ph/W3TZL.
  10. “National Council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2021. Part I. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YMCA-form-990-2021.pdf.
  11. “YMCA of the USA.” Candid Philanthropy News Digest. June 10, 2008. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/features/nonprofit-spotlight/ymca-of-the-usa#:~:text=Funding%3A,individual%20donors%2C%20and%20government%20grants..
  12. “Our History.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/our-history.
  13. “Our Impact.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/our-impact.
  14. “Culture.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/careers/culture.
  15. “Overview of the Y in the United States.” YMCA of the USA. June 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2021-06/ymca-national-impact-report.pdf.
  16. “2021 Financial Report.” National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States. December 31, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. Pg. 11. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YUSA-audited-financial-statements-%202021.pdf.
  17. “Suzanne McCormick.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/our-leadership/executives/suzanne-mccormick.
  18. “National council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2021. Part I. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YMCA-form-990-2021.pdf.
  19. “Overview of the Y in the United States.” YMCA of the USA. June 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2021-06/ymca-national-impact-report.pdf.
  20.  “2021 Financial Report.” National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States. December 31, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. Pg. 11. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YUSA-audited-financial-statements-%202021.pdf.
  21. “Constitution and Bylaws.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.csaymca.org/uploads/3/4/6/6/3466162/constitution-of-the-national-council-of-ymcas.pdf.
  22. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  23. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  24. “Becoming an Anti-Racist, Multicultural Organization.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  25. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  26. Gonzales-Chavez, Lynda. “Belonging and Bridgebuilding: My December Reflections.” The YMCA. December 14, 2022. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/advancing-equity-all/belonging-and-bridgebuilding.
  27. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  28. “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  29.  “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/who-we-are/diversity.
  30. Clegg, Richard. “Affirming LGBTQ+ Communities with Pride.” The YMCA. June 7, 2022. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/advancing-equity-all/affirming-lgbtq-communities-pride.
  31. “Open Letter from YMCA of the USA to President Biden and Vice President Harris.” YMCA of the USA. February 22, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/news/open-letter-ymca-usa-president-biden-and-vice-president-harris.
  32. “Partner.” YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/partner.
  33. “Partner with the Y.” The YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/get-involved/partner.
  34. “Advocate with the Y.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://ymca.quorum.us/action_center/.
  35. “Legislative Priorities 2023.” YMCA of the USA. 2023. February 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2023-02/Legislative-Priorities-2023.pdf.
  36. “National Council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2021. Part III. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YMCA-form-990-2021.pdf.
  37. “First Coast YMCA (New American Welcome Center).” YMCA Facebook Page. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.facebook.com/FirstCoastYMCANAWC.
  38. Orts, Michelle. “Come One, Come All: YMCA New American Welcome Center.” The YMCA. September 1, 2022. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/advancing-equity-all/ymca-new-american-welcome-center.
  39. “Constitution and Bylaws.” YMCA of the USA. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.csaymca.org/uploads/3/4/6/6/3466162/constitution-of-the-national-council-of-ymcas.pdf
  40. Allyn, Richard.” “Dueling demonstrations in response to transgender locker room policy at Santee YMCA.” CBS 8 News. January 18, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/demonstrations-in-response-to-transgender-locker-room-policy-at-ymca/509-8d74c56c-d0cf-4e18-9c0d-bde387b4c696
  41. Whitaker, Denise. “Woman, 80, banned from YMCA pool after clash with trans woman in locker room.” CBS 4 KOMO News. August 12, 2022. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://cbs4local.com/news/nation-world/woman-80-banned-from-ymca-pool-after-clash-over-trans-woman-in-locker-room-washington-state-mountain-view-pool-port-townsend-controversy-alleged-code-of-conduct-violations.
  42. WHIO Staff. “Transgender woman facing indecent exposure charges for using female locker room at Xenia YMCA.” WHIO TV7. January 31, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.whio.com/news/local/transgender-woman-facing-indecent-exposure-charges-using-female-locker-room-xenia-ymca/GUBP7X6255EBVMGY3VGFAABM74/.
  43. Reyes, Ronny. “Transgender woman is charged with indecent exposure after stripping down naked and exposing genitals to minor girls in YMCA locker room on three separate occasions.” Daily Mail. February 1, 2023. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11703219/Transgender-woman-charged-indecent-exposure-stripping-naked-YMCA-locker-room.html.
  44. [1] Lourgos, Angie Leventis. “New YMCA guidelines support trans bathroom, locker room access.” Chicago Tribune. July 14, 2016. Accessed via Web Archive February 13, 2023. https://archive.ph/W3TZL.
  45. “2021 Financial Report.” National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States. December 31, 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. Pg. 11. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YUSA-audited-financial-statements-%202021.pdf.
  46. “Donate.” YMCA. Accessed February 12, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/donate.
  47. [1] “YMCA of the USA Receives $4 Million in Federal Funding.” Club Industry. September 21, 2004. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.clubindustry.com/news/ymca-usa-receives-4-million-federal-funding.
  48. “National Council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2021. Part I. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2022-06/YMCA-form-990-2021.pdf.
  49. “National Council of YMCAs of the USA.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990). 2020. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/363258696/202131339349302728/full.
  50. “Overview of the Y in the United States.” YMCA of the USA. June 2021. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.ymca.org/sites/national/files/2021-06/ymca-national-impact-report.pdf.
  51. “YMCA Receives Major Donation from MacKenzie Scott.” YMCA of the USA via CISION PR Newswire. December 15, 2020. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ymca-receives-major-donation-from-mackenzie-scott-301193504.html.
  52. “The Chicago Community Trust.” Return of Organization Exempt From Income Tax. (Form 990. 2019. Schedule I. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/362167000/202112239349302351/full.
  53. “YMCA Receives $1 Million Grant to Expand Early Learning Readiness Initiative.” Candid Philanthropy News Digest. August 26, 2013. Accessed February 13, 2023. https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/news/ymca-receives-1-million-grant-to-expand-early-learning-readiness-initiative.
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Nonprofit Information

  • Accounting Period: December - November
  • Tax Exemption Received: December 1, 1983

    • Available Filings

    Period Form Type Total revenue Total functional expenses Total assets (EOY) Total liabilities (EOY) Unrelated business income? Total contributions Program service revenue Investment income Comp. of current officers, directors, etc. Form 990
    2020 Dec Form 990 $117,892,587 $125,808,480 $171,858,697 $41,457,889 N $65,805,390 $48,352,947 $1,062,621 $1,626,065 PDF
    2019 Dec Form 990 $137,417,345 $139,515,174 $161,776,272 $30,120,704 N $43,437,498 $84,415,118 $963,035 $1,611,175 PDF
    2018 Dec Form 990 $134,627,208 $146,669,639 $151,779,650 $30,694,723 Y $34,366,213 $83,052,150 $1,026,875 $1,433,614 PDF
    2017 Dec Form 990 $131,132,727 $136,856,789 $175,679,060 $23,036,699 N $44,118,077 $79,417,908 $1,049,090 $1,578,118 PDF
    2016 Dec Form 990 $142,614,980 $142,057,709 $165,971,221 $21,993,364 N $58,594,936 $79,701,816 $854,999 $1,359,390
    2015 Dec Form 990 $143,906,903 $126,647,523 $166,274,608 $23,854,639 N $66,457,374 $69,629,903 $1,102,778 $1,566,440 PDF
    2014 Dec Form 990 $114,205,458 $111,153,135 $170,317,497 $32,801,440 N $41,844,397 $62,503,576 $1,175,900 $1,872,261 PDF
    2013 Dec Form 990 $117,967,284 $115,343,763 $174,356,700 $37,333,521 N $49,781,739 $60,738,229 $1,172,922 $1,574,721 PDF
    2012 Dec Form 990 $93,784,954 $92,616,675 $151,075,429 $27,212,302 Y $29,025,003 $57,363,004 $1,336,366 $1,535,044 PDF
    2011 Dec Form 990 $106,888,041 $92,091,146 $156,207,543 $40,196,831 Y $38,013,597 $55,771,218 $1,178,213 $1,480,046 PDF

    Additional Filings (PDFs)

    National Council of YMCAs of the USA

    101 North Wacker Drive
    Chicago, IL 60606-7310