YMCA of Lincoln, NE

What YMCA of Lincoln, NE does

The YMCA of Lincoln, NE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on March 11, 1871, making it one of the oldest YMCAs in the United States. The organization operates four full-service membership branches distributed across all quadrants of Lincoln, Nebraska — Cooper YMCA, Copple Family YMCA, Fallbrook YMCA, and Northeast YMCA — together with an administrative office, a youth sports office, and YMCA Camp Kitaki, an ACA-accredited overnight summer camp near Louisville, NE. The Downtown YMCA at 1039 P Street was permanently closed in 2020 to safeguard financial stability amid COVID-19 impacts and aging facility costs; its programs were absorbed by the surviving branches.

The organization serves over 84,000 people annually across a diversified program portfolio spanning youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Core offerings include youth sports leagues (preschool through 12th grade), swim lessons including adaptive offerings for children with disabilities, day and overnight camps, before/after school care (the YMCA serves as lead agency at Lincoln Public Schools Community Learning Centers), group exercise, personal training, EGYM smart fitness, senior wellness programming (Fit for Life, FOREVERWELL 55+, Parkinson's movement, MS fitness), adaptive aquatics, and disease prevention/management coaching. The technology stack includes the YMCA360 on-demand digital platform, ActiveNet for membership and program registration, The Achievery digital learning platform developed by AT&T with Warner Bros. Discovery, EGYM smart fitness equipment, and Playerspace for youth sports communications.

Revenue is generated through recurring membership dues, program and camp fees, corporate and group memberships, transaction-based community event registrations (Turkey Trot, Youth Triathlon, Railyard Rims, Team Triathlon, Cornhole), donations via the Annual Campaign — Strong Kids, specialty Nebraska YMCA license plate sales, and corporate sponsorships (Union Bank & Trust, SCHEELS, Lincoln Industries, Hausmann Construction). The 2019 Annual Campaign alone provided over $2.5 million of program and financial assistance to more than 900 children. As a Y-USA affiliate, the organization extends its membership value through nationwide reciprocity across approximately 2,700 YMCA locations.

Name

YMCA of Lincoln, NE

Legal name

YMCA of Lincoln, NE

Website

https://ymcalincoln.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1871

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

YMCA of Lincoln is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1871 operating four Lincoln membership branches and Camp Kitaki overnight camp, serving over 84,000 people annually through fitness facilities, youth sports, aquatics, child care, senior wellness, and adaptive recreation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Wellness and Youth Development Services

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (713940), RV (Recreational Vehicle) Parks and Recreational Camps (7212), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

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

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Multi-Sport Camps (General Athletics, Summer Camps) (MPAKAJAA), Multi-Activity Enrichment Camps (Academic + Arts + Sports) (EDAMALAA), Group Camping & Scout Camps (THAGAOAI), Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Community wellness programs
• Youth sports leagues
• Aquatics and swim lessons
• Fitness membership
• Summer day camp

Headquarters

HQ city

Lincoln

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: The YMCA generates revenue through monthly and annual membership fees paid by individuals and families for access to fitness facilities, pools, group exercise classes, and branch amenities. Financial assistance (Open Doors) is available to reduce costs for income-eligible members.
2. Program Fees: Fees charged for structured programs including youth sports leagues, swim lessons (including adaptive private lessons), summer day camps, before and after school programs, preschool, personal training, specialized training classes (pickleball, martial arts, etc.), and specialty clinics. Youth Sports operates year-round for preschool through 12th grade.
3. Overnight Summer Camp (Camp Kitaki): Camp Kitaki, located near Louisville, NE, operates traditional overnight camps, horse camps, rustic adventure camps, leadership camps, and family programs throughout the year, generating revenue through session registration fees. Year-round programs include fall, Halloween, New Year's, spring adventure camps, and family camps.
4. Annual Campaign - Strong Kids: Annual fundraising campaign generating donations to provide financial assistance for memberships, programs, sports, and camp fees for youth and families unable to afford full pricing. The campaign is supported by events including Turkey Trot proceeds, Team Triathlon, football ticket auctions, and specialty license plate sales. In 2019, the campaign provided over $2.5 million in assistance to more than 900 children.
5. Corporate and Group Memberships: Employer-sponsored group memberships and corporate partnerships providing employees with YMCA access, often at discounted rates negotiated with employers.
6. Community Events Revenue: Registration fees for community events including Turkey Trot (1-mile, 5K, family rates), Youth Triathlon ($15-20/participant), Railyard Rims basketball tournament ($130-210/team), and Team Triathlon ($30/person). These events also serve as fundraising vehicles for the Annual Campaign.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

The YMCA of Lincoln, NE is a nonprofit organization operating four full-service membership branches and an overnight summer camp that delivers youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs to the Lincoln, Nebraska community. Its primary offerings include YMCA memberships with access to fitness facilities, pools, and group exercise; youth sports leagues (soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, flag football, etc.); swim lessons including adaptive aquatics; summer day camps and overnight Camp Kitaki; before/after-school child care and preschool; personal training and disease prevention programs; and signature community events such as the Turkey Trot, Youth Triathlon, and Railyard Rims basketball tournament. The organization serves over 84,000 people annually and subsidizes access through its Open Doors financial assistance program.

Product overview

The YMCA of Lincoln, NE is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of wellness and community programs across four membership branches (Cooper YMCA, Copple Family YMCA, Fallbrook YMCA, and Northeast YMCA) plus YMCA Camp Kitaki. The core offerings include fitness facilities with EGYM smart technology and YMCA360 digital platform, youth development programs (Youth Sports, Swim Lessons, Summer Day Camps, Child Care, Education programs), health and wellness services (Group Exercise, Personal Training, Disease Prevention, Healthy Living Outreach), and community events (Turkey Trot, Youth Triathlon, Railyard Rims basketball tournament, Winter Coat Drive). The organization serves over 84,000 people annually and provides financial assistance to ensure accessibility for all community members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• YMCA Camp Kitaki: Overnight summer camp and year-round outdoor programs located near Louisville, NE - a branch of YMCA of Lincoln
• STRONG Challenge
• Annual Campaign - Strong Kids
• YMCA360

Products and services

• YMCA Membership Recurring membership providing access to fitness facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, group exercise classes, child watch, wellness centers, and nationwide reciprocity access at ~2,700 YMCA locations. Available to individuals, families, and corporate groups at four Lincoln branches (Cooper, Copple Family, Fallbrook, Northeast). Open Doors financial assistance available regardless of income.
• Youth Sports Programs Year-round youth sports leagues and clinics including baseball, softball, t-ball, soccer, basketball, flag football, volleyball, archery, bowling, cheer, climbing, dance, golf, gymnastics, martial arts, running, tennis, track and field, and adaptive sports. Available for children preschool through 12th grade across Lincoln branches and Wright Park.
• Swim Lessons Swimming instruction including private lessons, group lessons, adaptive lessons for individuals with disabilities, and competitive swim teams. Available at all four branches with indoor and outdoor pools.
• YMCA Camp Kitaki Overnight Camp Overnight summer camp and year-round programs including traditional camps, horse camps, rustic adventure camps, leadership programs, family programs, fall/Halloween/New Year's/spring adventure camps, and family camps. Located at 14917 E Park Hwy, Louisville, NE. ACA accredited.
• Summer Day Camps Day camp programs during summer months for children, including various themed camps and sports camps at all four Lincoln branches.
• Group Exercise Classes Free group fitness classes including cardio, strength training, yoga, kickboxing, cycling, water aerobics, boot camp, and specialized senior fitness programs like Fit for Life, available at all four branches.
• Child Care Programs Before and after school programs, preschool, Child Watch for ages 6 weeks to 10 years, Parents Night Out, and Out of School Days programs. Operated across all four Lincoln branches and at Lincoln Public Schools Community Learning Centers.
• Personal Training One-on-one fitness coaching and training services with certified personal trainers at all four Lincoln branches.
• Disease Prevention and Management Health programs focused on disease prevention and management, including wellness coaching, nutrition services, Movement for Parkinson's, Moving for Better Balance, MS fitness class, Enhance Fitness, and FOREVERWELL 55+ programming.
• Adaptive Swim Lessons Adaptive private (one-on-one) and small group swim lessons designed for swimmers with physical, developmental, or sensory challenges. Available at Copple Family YMCA. 9 swimmers enrolled at launch; program continuing to grow.
• Healthy Living Outreach Program Fit for Life and senior wellness classes held offsite at Air Park Recreation Center, Easterday Recreation Center, and Willard Community Center. $1 per class; 12-class sessions with financial assistance available.
• Adaptive Sports Sports programs designed for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusive athletic participation across the Lincoln branches.
• YMCA360 Virtual Fitness Platform Digital wellness platform offering on-demand fitness classes and workout content accessible to members at home or on the go.
• EGYM Smart Fitness Smart gym equipment and training experience that uses technology to create personalized workouts tailored to each member, tracking progress and adapting routines over time.
• Education Programs Educational offerings including Babysitting Safety Program, CPR & First Aid Training, Homeschool Gym, Jr. Chefs cooking classes, and preschool programs across Lincoln branches.
• STRONG Challenge Six-week community wellness challenge promoting 20 minutes of daily movement, with weekly themes including Goals, Play, Connect, Rest, Serve, and Balance. Supported by a STRONG Challenge Facebook Community Group serving 130+ YMCA communities nationwide.
• Turkey Trot (Annual Community Event) Annual Thanksgiving morning race event held at Lincoln Memorial Park, featuring 1-Mile Fun Run & Walk, 5K, Tot Trot (free for kids), Family Rate, and Virtual participation. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Annual Campaign - Strong Kids.
• Youth Triathlon (Annual Community Event) Annual youth triathlon event at Fallbrook YMCA with swim, bike, and run segments designed for ages 5 and up in a fun, non-competitive environment.
• Railyard Rims 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Annual 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in downtown Lincoln's Railyard district with Youth and Adult divisions. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign.
• Winter Coat Drive Annual coat collection initiative in partnership with People's City Mission, collecting new or gently used coats at all Lincoln YMCA branches and partner locations including Broadcast House Media, Kia of Lincoln, Kooser Elementary, Moore Middle School, Pita & Naan, and District #3J Juvenile Probation.
• The Achievery Digital Learning Platform Free digital learning platform featuring video content and interactive lesson plans covering Social-Emotional Learning, Arts, ELA, Science, Social Studies, Math, Technology and Engineering, and Digital Literacy. Developed by AT&T in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 84,000 people served annually across all programs
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Lincoln IndustriescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLincoln Industries provides financial sponsorship to support youth sports access at the YMCA. In 2024, their funding enabled 40 students from Pershing Elementary Community Learning Center to participate in YMCA Youth Sports recreational soccer league, with full financial assistance covering registration, uniforms, transportation, and equipment. Lincoln Industries is a key corporate partner advancing the YMCA's mission of youth development in Lincoln.
• Union Bank & TrustflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerUnion Bank & Trust serves as the presenting sponsor of the annual Turkey Trot, one of Lincoln's largest and most beloved community events. This is the 17th year of the Turkey Trot, with Union Bank & Trust providing significant financial and marketing support. The partnership generates extensive community visibility for the YMCA's Annual Campaign - Strong Kids.
• SCHEELSflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSCHEELS is the title sponsor of the annual Railyard Rims 3-on-3 basketball tournament. The event draws hundreds of youth and adult teams to downtown Lincoln, with SCHEELS branding prominently featured. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign.
• Bison, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBison, Inc. and founder/president Nick Cusick were recognized as the 2019 Corporate Partner of the Year. They have been instrumental in YMCA's capital campaigns over 35 years, contributing to building Cooper YMCA, Copple Family YMCA, Fallbrook YMCA, and major renovations at Camp Kitaki. The company donated all gym equipment for these projects.
• Hausmann ConstructioncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRecognized as the 2021 Corporate Partner Award recipient. Hausmann Construction has provided sustained support for YMCA's mission and construction/renovation projects, contributing to the organization's physical footprint across Lincoln.
• People's City MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongtime partnership with People's City Mission for the annual Winter Coat Drive. PCM serves as the beneficiary of collected coats, with distribution occurring at PCM's Help Center. The YMCA provides collection sites at all four Lincoln branches and multiple community partner locations. This partnership addresses homelessness and winter hardship for Lincoln's vulnerable residents.
• The Bone 105.3minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedia sponsor for the annual Winter Coat Drive. The Bone 105.3 provides radio airtime and promotional support to amplify coat drive awareness, reaching thousands of Lincoln-area listeners and driving donations to People's City Mission.
• Children's NebraskaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of the annual Turkey Trot, supporting the YMCA's community health and wellness mission through event sponsorship.
• Lincoln Track ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-sponsor and community partner for the Turkey Trot, supporting the running community and promoting health and wellness in Lincoln.
• Pershing Elementary Community Learning CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership between YMCA Youth Sports and Pershing Elementary CLC enabled 40 4th and 5th grade students to participate in the recreational soccer league in 2024. The YMCA provided financial assistance, uniforms, equipment, and round-trip transportation from Pershing to YMCA Wright Park, while Lincoln Industries provided funding.
• The Independence AcademycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Independence Academy, a Lincoln Public Schools program for students with disabilities, partners with Copple Family YMCA for daily morning work experience. Students contribute to facility hospitality and maintenance while gaining real-world skills. The partnership exemplifies the YMCA's commitment to inclusion and community integration for all abilities.
• City of Lincoln (Air Park, Easterday, Willard Community Centers)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe City of Lincoln provides space, equipment storage, and marketing support for Healthy Living Outreach fitness classes at Air Park Recreation Center and Easterday Recreation Center. Willard Community Center provides space and staff support for senior wellness programming. These partnerships extend YMCA programming beyond physical branches to serve homebound and transportation-limited seniors.
• Community Coat Drive Collection Site PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMultiple community organizations serve as collection sites for the annual Winter Coat Drive, including Broadcast House Media, Kia of Lincoln, Kooser Elementary, Moore Middle School, Pita & Naan, District #3J Juvenile Probation, and additional locations. These partnerships amplify the coat drive's reach across Lincoln.
• YMCA of the USA (Y-USA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe YMCA of Lincoln is a member of the national YMCA of the USA network, providing access to shared resources, the nationwide membership reciprocity program (enabling members to access any of ~2,700 YMCA locations), national program frameworks (e.g., Darkness to Light child protection, STRONG Challenge), technology partnerships (EGYM, The Achievery), and collective advocacy.
• Nebraska Alliance of YMCAscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe YMCA of Lincoln is one of 16 YMCA associations across Nebraska that collectively served over 381,000 individuals in 2019. The alliance enables specialty Nebraska YMCA license plate sales, collective advocacy, and shared best practices. Nebraska YMCAs lead the state in childcare services.
• Darkness to LightcoreTechnology or IntegrationNational nonprofit providing evidence-informed child sexual abuse prevention training (Stewards of Children). The YMCA of Lincoln participates in Five Days of Action and uses Darkness to Light materials for staff and volunteer training, supported by YMCA Guardians for Child Protection, Y-USA, Redwoods Group Foundation, and Praesidium.
• Redwoods Group FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation supporting child sexual abuse prevention, drowning prevention, and social entrepreneurship. Partners with YMCA of Lincoln to provide resources and funding for Five Days of Action and related child protection programming.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Greater Des Moines YMCA: Mid-sized YMCA association in neighboring Iowa serving a comparable Midwestern metro. Closely mirrors YMCA of Lincoln's scale, programming breadth, and mix of urban branches plus overnight camp assets.
• YMCA of Greater Kansas City: Larger Midwestern YMCA association operating urban branches plus overnight camp assets in a comparable metro market. Useful peer for benchmarking branch-level P&L, capital campaign structures, and adaptive programming scale.
• Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department: Municipal recreation provider operating community centers (Air Park, Easterday, Willard) where YMCA already delivers Healthy Living Outreach. Offers free/low-cost fitness, sports leagues, and aquatics — competing for the same participation dollars in Lincoln.

Direct peers

• Jewish Community Center of Lincoln: Local Lincoln, NE community center offering fitness facilities, youth programming, summer camps, and senior activities. Directly comparable in product mix (fitness, youth, camp, programming) and member base within the same Lincoln market.
• i9 Sports: National youth sports league franchise offering flag football, soccer, basketball, and other sports for ages 3–14. Directly competes with YMCA of Lincoln's Youth Sports leagues for the same family and youth registration dollars.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: National nonprofit operating youth and family development clubs providing afterschool programs, sports leagues, and educational enrichment. Most directly comparable to YMCA of Lincoln in mission, target population (youth and low-income families), and nonprofit funding model.
• Goldfish Swim School: National franchise specializing in year-round swim lessons for children, directly competing with YMCA of Lincoln's swim lesson programming for the same parent demographic.
• Greater Omaha YMCA: Nebraska-based YMCA association offering the same suite of membership, youth sports, swim, camp, and community programming to a neighboring market. Operates the same national membership reciprocity framework and faces similar community-recreation dynamics.

Broad incumbents

• Planet Fitness: National low-cost fitness chain with $10-$25/month memberships. Competes directly for price-sensitive adult fitness members in Lincoln, putting downward pressure on YMCA adult membership value proposition.
• Life Time Fitness: Premium national fitness operator offering family-oriented clubs with pools, group exercise, youth programming, and summer camps. Competes for higher-income Lincoln households seeking more upscale facilities and programs than the YMCA.

Market position

Strengths6 records

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCKF5qTXZHAvbSP9_ZBIb-XQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/YMCALincolnNE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/ymca-of-lincoln-nebraska
• Instagraminstagram.com/ymcaoflincoln

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about YMCA of Lincoln, NE