FAQs

The YMCA operates for the good of people and communities rather than for a profit. A key focus of our charitable mission is providing vital services that positively impact some of Canada’s most pressing health and social issues.

The YMCA is for everyone. That’s why you’ll find us taking extra steps to provide financial assistance to make Y programs affordable for everyone, ensure accessibility for children of all abilities, and delivering programs targeting specific groups or neighbourhoods without cost to participants.

Funding for YMCAs in Canada comes from a variety of sources, specific to each Member Association. This can include:

• Program fees generated through programs such as child care, health and fitness memberships and other programs
• Donations
• Funding and grants to provide services on behalf of partners, including municipal, provincial and federal governments
• Funds from the United Way
• Sponsorships

Your membership or program fees pay for the operating costs associated with your YMCA program. As such, you help to cover operating costs in buildings that are also home to charitable initiatives. 

The YMCA also relies on generous supporters who provide donations to ensure we can open our doors to everyone in the community, regardless of their circumstances. So by choosing to be a Y member, you are part of something larger. However, there is a more impactful role you can play in supporting your community by choosing to become a Y donor. Visit our Donate page to learn more.

The YMCA in Canada is a non-denominational charitable organization where all people are welcome. When the organization was established in 1844 there was a link to the Christian faith, however this quickly changed and the Y welcomed people of all religious backgrounds to participate in a wide range of programs and services. Today, we are proud to be a socially inclusive and diverse place, serving people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.

When first established, Y.M.C.A. was an acronym for Young Men’s Christian Association. While you will still find that some YMCAs around the world still use this full name, many, including all YMCAs in Canada, are known simply as the YMCA. This reflects our commitment to serving people of all ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life.

Most YMCAs in Canada recognize and honour memberships from other YMCA Member Associations, so you can stay active when you’re away from home. Similarly, Canadian YMCA memberships are generally recognized and accepted by international Associations. There are some exceptions, so be sure to check with the YMCA you want to visit to confirm their policy prior to visiting.

Many YMCAs offer opportunities to rent their gymnasiums, swimming pools and community rooms when they are available. For information please contact your local YMCA directly.

New YMCAs are the culmination of many factors: a recognized community need, broad-based community support, available resources including community funding and suitable real estate, and the potential for forming space sharing agreements with community organizations. If your community is interested in learning more, please contact YMCA Canada.

We are aware that from time to time fraudulent job offers are sent from email addresses that may resemble legitimate YMCA Associations in Canada. The job offers may look convincing; containing the YMCA logo, naming specific YMCA Associations, addresses and job offer information. The sender may say they work for, or are a representative of the YMCA. Typically, these offers are accompanied by a request for a fee to be paid or banking information to be provided.

YMCAs in Canada do not charge fees in the recruitment process. Job opportunities are posted on our websites and established print (newspapers and trade publications) and related-industry web listings. If you did not apply for a job and were not expecting a job offer, we caution you to thoroughly research the offer to determine if it is legitimate.