A world where every individual lives in harmony with themselves, society, and the environment — this has been YMCA’s vision since its founding nearly two centuries ago. Ever since, YMCA has continued to strengthen its members through serving and unifying its movements, amplifying young people’s voices, encouraging collaboration, ensuring transparency, and providing swift response in the face of humanitarian crises.
By embracing Vision 2030 Strategy, our vision is divided into four key pillars: community well-being, meaningful work, sustainable planet, and just world, each serving as a blueprint to build a better world where justice, inclusivity, and respect for nature are not mere ideals but lived realities.
Derived from 2022 data, the following statistics provide a glimpse into the unwavering dedication of the YMCA community. They reflect the tireless efforts and the profound impact we have made and it is a promise that our work continues to be meaningful and relevant.
We proudly boast a network that spans across Europe, with 29 member movements and 6 cooperating national movements, composing a staggering total of 3,190 local YMCAs. This extensive reach enables us to impact communities far and wide, providing support and hope to more than 2 million beneficiaries through the spectacular dedication of our 95,000 volunteers, 2,500 staff and 434,000 individual members. They are the lifeblood of our mission, powering 8,200 projects per year to drive real change and empowerment at the grassroots level. We are proud to maintain a balanced staff gender composition, with 59% of the staff being female, 40% male, and 0,2% identifying as non-binary.
We have made massive strides in varying array of initiatives. Our endeavours encompass more than 8,200 projects involving 149 advocacy projects in 22 countries, 4,253 sports projects across 21 countries, 332 projects related to tensing in 17 countries, 61 digital skilling projects in 11 countries and 782 employment-related projects in 20 countries. 1,880 camp projects are dispersed in 28 countries, supported by our vast network of 74 camp facilities spread across Europe. Furthermore, we are proud to deliver and run activities in 1,220 YMCA centres serving communities in 29 countries.
Similarly to our staff gender balance, we take pride in embracing a diverse demographic of our project participants. 30% of participants are of 0-13 years of age, 42% between 14 to 25, and 28% being 25 and above.
Amidst challenging times, YMCA also recognizes the need to prioritise humanity and has been committed to promoting peace and non-violent approaches. We have dedicated 253 projects in 27 countries to refugees and migrants, and since 2022, we have also extended our assistance to Ukrainian refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDP), focusing on integration, well-being, empowerment, and employment.
One of our flagship initiatives, the “Roots for Peace” program, has made significant contributions to peacebuilding efforts. Since 2007, It has reached more than 15,000 beneficiaries through 58 projects in 12 countries, promoting peace and reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions. Alongside it,146 peace projects are thriving in 20 countries across the continent.
Our “Leadership Academy” project, established in 2017, has positively impacted 1,500 people, primarily between the ages of 14-25, in 28 countries, fortifying 85 young people’s roles as advocates of democratic values and change-makers in 28 countries.
In response to the contemporary issues of our time, YMCA has launched 357 mental health projects in 25 countries. These initiatives address critical challenges related to mental well-being, aiming to provide support, guidance, and resources for those in need.
With unwavering commitment to our core principles of social justice, we sought to promote equity and accessibility for all. With more than 300 digital hubs, each serving as a hub of knowledge and opportunity, we offer a diverse range of courses and workshops meticulously designed to elevate the employability of young people—because we believe in creating a level playing field where all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access the tools and resources needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Globally, YMCA has made an astounding impact. We have reached more than 64,000,000 people through 900,000 volunteers and 120 national YMCAs, showcasing our global influence and commitment to making a real difference—but this is just the beginning. As we persist in our growth and join hands with young people from all corners of the world, we remain steadfast in our belief that we can, and will, continue to expand our reach and impact for a better future.
The pdf version of the brochure is available here.
