YMCA Volunteers and Staff Accept the Eagle Award for Excellence in Fundraising at NAYDO. (March 2007)

Finding ways to increase fund-raising capacity without increasing the size of your staff is a common challenge faced by not-for-profit organizations.  The Old Colony YMCA had a long history of success, but knew that they needed to find new ways to raise funds.

It had been 25 years since the Greater Joliet Area YMCA had embarked on a capital campaign. Most of the staff and volunteers had never had to raise money on this scale and weren’t sure where to begin.

Tami Sender, President and CEO, knew that they needed a coach to help them plan a strategy, work the plan and do right by their community. She asked Bruce Berglund to be that coach.

“Bruce helped with all facets of the campaign, from feasibility to finish,” says Tami. Working with the staff and volunteers, Bruce helped to identify and cultivate prospects, create a compelling case to help donors understand the need, and keep the process on track throughout the whole campaign.

One of the most important things he did was help the Board of Directors understand their role in the process. Tami says: “Bruce got them fired up and excited about the campaign. And, he helped them to understand their role in opening doors, making connections and asking for money.”

YMCA Volunteers and Staff Accept the Eagle Award for Excellence in Fundraising at NAYDO. (March 2007)

“Nobody thought the Y – with no limited previous campaign success and no prospects – could do this,” explains Tami. “But a few early, large gifts gave our campaign credibility and momentum.” In the end, the Joliet YMCA beat their goal and raised $9.2 million.

And, the skills and techniques that Bruce taught the Joliet Y have allowed them to raise an additional $2.8 million in a follow-up campaign for additional improvements. Tami concludes, “Bruce brought not only his experience and skills, but a lot of energy and passion to the process. That enthusiasm made the experience great for all of us.”