YMCAs were collectively ranked 4th on The Chronicle of Philanthropy's 2004 "Philanthropy 400," moving up from seventh last year.  This is a ranking of nonprofit organizations based on individual, foundation, and corporate contributions made in 2003 and appeared in the publication on Oct. 28, 2004.

As the largest, charitable, not-for-profit organization in the U.S., YMCAs are independently operated and managed by local boards of directors. This grassroots approach ensures YMCA programs and initiatives serve needs identified by each community.

"On behalf of the nation's 2,575 YMCAs, we are honored and proud that YMCAs collectively are ranked so high on these prestigious lists," said Kenneth L. Gladish, Ph. D., national executive director, YMCA of the USA, the organization's national resource office.

"These accolades speak volumes about the respected, charitable nature of YMCAs and shine a beacon on the generosity of our 600,000 volunteers and donors nationwide who commit their invaluable time, energy, and financial support to help strengthen kids, families, and communities," Gladish said. In fiscal 2003, YMCAs raised $757 million to be used for scholarships, subsidies, and other community services.

"Whether they're providing child care, afterschool programs, family-strengthening activities or health and fitness programs, YMCAs remain flexible and committed to nurturing children and supporting families. As society's needs evolve, so do YMCAs, helping to ensure that programs and initiatives reflect the most pressing societal concerns," Gladish said.

Recently, YMCA of the USA announced YMCA "Activate America," a multi-year initiative focused on creating community solutions to obesity and chronic disease. The initiative kicked off Sept. 9-10 in Washington, D.C., with a national conference called YMCA "Activate America: Pioneering Healthier Communities," that brought together 14 teams of leaders in government, business, health, and other sectors from across the country to develop and implement solutions to the nation's inactivity and obesity epidemic. Activate America also includes a rigorous, 10-year improvement and community leadership project designed to help YMCAs further fulfill their 152-year charitable mission of improving the health and well-being of all Americans, including children.

YMCA of the USA is the national resource office for the nation's 2,575 YMCAs, collectively the nation's largest community service organization and largest providers of child care. YMCAs serve more than 19 million people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes, including 9 million children through a broad range of programs youth leadership and volunteerism. Financial assistance is available. To learn more visit www.ymca.net.