YMCA Nederland

What YMCA Nederland does

YMCA Nederland (Vereniging YMCA Nederland), founded in 1853 and headquartered in Den Dolder, is the oldest youth organization in the Netherlands. It is a non-profit association (vereniging) with ANBI (Algemeen Nut Beogende Instelling) status and CBF Erkend Goed Doel recognition, operating as a federated network of approximately 30 local YMCA/CJV chapters and a paid staff of between 501 and 1,000 (the vast majority being volunteers) under the leadership of Algemeen Secretaris Folmer Speerstra, who took office on 1 May 2026 succeeding Robèrt Feith.

The organization's core products and services center on youth development through sport, play, and community programs. Its national portfolio includes Y Camps (specialized summer camps for vulnerable children, including SugarKids camps for children with diabetes and programs for children with developmental disorders, refugee backgrounds, and low-income families), local YMCA/CJV youth work in approximately 30 locations, training programs for youth workers and volunteers, the YMCA Kampeercentra camping-center operations (with a new Malieveld location in The Hague replacing the closed Leusden site), and advisory/support services for partner associations. Three internal funds — the Jeugdfonds, George Williams Fonds, and Fonds Meedoen-UKK — provide financial support for participation.

YMCA Nederland generates revenue primarily through individual donations (one-time gifts and monthly contributions starting at €3), annual personal memberships (€25/year), corporate sponsorships, multiple foundation grants, municipal partnerships, and paid training services. The organization is part of the global YMCA movement spanning approximately 120 countries and is affiliated with YMCA Europe and the World Alliance of YMCAs, but operates as an independent Dutch non-profit without a corporate parent. An Ecorys 2023 study estimated the societal value of its voluntary youth work at €141 million, and 80% of volunteers report feeling stronger and more confident through their involvement.

Name

YMCA Nederland

Legal name

Vereniging YMCA Nederland

Website

https://ymca.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1853

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

YMCA Nederland is a 172-year-old Dutch non-profit association operating approximately 30 local youth-work chapters and national Y Camps programs that serve vulnerable children through volunteer-led sports, play, and community activities, funded by donations, memberships, and foundation grants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Child and Youth Services (62411), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK), Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Summer camp programs
• Volunteer youth work
• Youth worker training
• Community youth services

Headquarters

HQ city

Den Dolder

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Gifts: YMCA generates revenue through individual donations, both one-time and recurring monthly contributions. Monthly donations start at €3 per month. The organization is an ANBI-certified charity, allowing tax deductions for donors.
2. Membership Fees: Personal membership fees of €25 per year provide access to the association, with members receiving the Inclusief magazine twice yearly and discounts on activities.
3. Foundation Funds: YMCA manages three funds: Jeugdfonds (for children from low-income families), George Williams Fonds (for future-oriented projects), and Fonds Meedoen-UKK (for youth with participation barriers). These funds support activities and participation.
4. Corporate Sponsorship: Business sponsorships including company outings with social components, naming rights, and advertising opportunities.
5. Training Services: YMCA offers training courses for youth workers, volunteers, and organizations, including basic courses, specialized training on children's experiences, and social safety. These are provided primarily for camp guides, leadership, and volunteers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

YMCA Nederland delivers youth development services through a federation of approximately 30 local chapters, organizing local youth work (sports, games, workshops), the national Y Camps summer camp program for vulnerable children, training for youth workers and volunteers, and three charitable funds (Jeugdfonds, George Williams Fonds, Fonds Meedoen-UKK) that subsidize participation for disadvantaged youth. Services are primarily volunteer-led and complemented by a small professional staff at the Den Dolder headquarters.

Product overview

YMCA Nederland operates as a unified portfolio of youth development programs centered on its core mission of strengthening young people's mental health, social connectedness, and development opportunities. The organization functions as a federation with Y Camps serving as the national summer camp program for vulnerable children (including SugarKids Camps for diabetic children, camps for children with developmental disorders, refugee backgrounds, and low-income families), while local YMCA/CJV associations provide ongoing youth work activities in approximately 30 locations. Supporting services include training programs for youth workers, three specialized funds (Jeugdfonds, George Williams Fonds, Meedoen-UKK) for financial support, membership program with the Inclusief magazine, camping center operations, and advisory services for partner organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Y Camps: National summer camp program for children with special needs, diabetes, refugee backgrounds, and disadvantaged youth.
• YMCA Kampeercentra

Products and services

• Y Camps YMCA's national summer camp program offering specialized camps for vulnerable children, including SugarKids Camps for children with diabetes, camps for children with (mild) developmental disorders, refugee backgrounds, and low-income families. Delivered under the Y Camps brand with supervised support and trained volunteers.
• Local YMCA/CJV Youth Work Local youth work activities organized by YMCA/CJV associations in approximately 30 locations across the Netherlands, including sports, games, workshops, and community programs for children and teenagers.
• YMCA Training Programs Training programs for youth workers and volunteers covering working with children, group dynamics, communication styles, leadership, active play, social safety, and association governance. Typically half-day (4-hour) interactive sessions combining theory with practical exercises. Pricing available on request via [email protected].
• YMCA Kampeercentra Camping center operations providing accommodation facilities for youth camps and outdoor activities, with a new location at Malieveld in The Hague (as of 2026) replacing the closed Leusden site.
• YMCA Jeugdfonds (Youth Fund) Fund supporting children from low-income families to participate in YMCA camps and activities. Local YMCA/CJV groups and individuals can apply for coverage of participation costs.
• George Williams Fonds Annual themed fund supporting projects that prepare YMCA and CJV associations for the future, enabling volunteers to apply for new projects and initiatives.
• Fonds Meedoen-UKK Fund supporting children and youth with disadvantages such as poverty, disabilities, or other barriers to participate in YMCA and CJV activities.
• YMCA Membership Program Personal and group membership program at €25/year, allowing members to participate in policy decisions at the members' congress, receive the Inclusief magazine twice yearly, and obtain discounts on YMCA activities.
• Advice and Support Services Professional support services for associations and organizations, including consultation, temporary staffing, and assistance with subsidies and municipal relationships.
• Inclusief Magazine Bi-annual membership magazine of YMCA containing news, stories, and updates about the organization and its activities; archived online since 2010.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% of volunteers feel stronger and more confident through their volunteer work at YMCA
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Het Vergeten KindcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with shared goal of providing unforgettable vacation weeks for vulnerable children. Both organizations share vision on sincere attention and support for volunteers. Knowledge exchange occurs between organizations.
• YMCA EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated with YMCA Europe, part of the global YMCA movement operating in 120 countries. Participates in conferences and meetings to exchange knowledge and ideas.
• World Alliance of YMCAscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnected to the World Alliance of YMCAs with shared course and vision (Visie 2030). Participates in international conferences and knowledge sharing.
• Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDT is a national program where youth contribute to society. YMCA offers volunteer placements within this framework, preparing young people for the real world.
• Nationale JeugdcoalitieminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYMCA participated in research by the National Youth Coalition on voluntary youth work and collaboration, along with Scouting Nederland, Jantje Beton, JongNL, and others.
• Gemeente UtrechtminorOthersMunicipal partnership for youth work activities in Utrecht area.
• Gemeente RotterdamminorOthersMunicipal partnership supporting youth work in Rotterdam, including specific support for Rotterdam-Zuid.
• Gemeente Den HaagminorOthersMunicipal partnership supporting youth activities in The Hague, including use of Malieveld for camping.
• Gemeente EindhovenminorOthersMunicipal partnership for youth work activities in Eindhoven.
• Diabetesvereniging NederlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting SugarKids Camps for children with diabetes.
• SDG-HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch partnership on sustainability within the organization, resulting in identification of four key SDGs (3, 10, 12, 17).

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Save the Children Nederland: International NGO with Dutch chapter supporting children's rights and development. Comparable in targeting vulnerable children, donation model, and advocacy focus; operates at larger scale with broader geographic scope.
• UNICEF Nederland: Dutch arm of global children's rights organization. Comparable in mission (youth wellbeing), ANBI-equivalent status, and donor-funded operating model; much larger scale and broader international footprint.
• SOS Kinderdorpen Nederland: Large, established Dutch child-welfare nonprofit supporting vulnerable children and families. Comparable in mission focus on disadvantaged youth, donation-based funding, and brand-driven donor acquisition.

Direct peers

• Scouting Nederland: Largest Dutch youth organization offering sports, outdoor activities, and personal development through volunteer-led local groups — directly comparable to YMCA's local chapter model, target audience (Dutch youth), and volunteer-driven GTM motion.
• Jantje Beton: Dutch charity focused on play and youth development, funding local play activities across the Netherlands. Comparable to YMCA in mission (positive youth development), nonprofit funding model, and partnership with municipalities.
• Het Vergeten Kind: Dutch nonprofit providing vacation weeks for vulnerable children; formal YMCA partner. Direct peer in serving vulnerable-youth segments via summer-camp experiences and in the donation-funded nonprofit model.
• JongNL: Dutch youth organization running local groups for children with sports, games, and outdoor activities. Closely comparable to YMCA/CJV local chapters in operating model and member experience.

Others

• Nationale Jeugdcoalitie: Umbrella coalition of Dutch youth organizations (including YMCA, Scouting, Jantje Beton, JongNL). Comparable as a coordinating body for youth-sector research, advocacy, and policy engagement relevant to YMCA's positioning.
• Diabetesvereniging Nederland: Dutch patient association for people with diabetes; formal YMCA partner on SugarKids Camps. Comparable as a nonprofit serving specific youth cohorts and enabling co-funded specialized programming.

Regional players

• Stichting Leergeld: National Dutch network of local Leergeld foundations enabling children from low-income families to participate in social activities. Comparable target cohort (vulnerable/low-income Dutch children) and referral partnership dynamic with YMCA.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCZkHBmr4R85TKhuySj0e4cw
• Facebookfacebook.com/ymcanederland
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ymcanederland
• Instagraminstagram.com/ymcanederland
• Xx.com/ymcanl

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about YMCA Nederland