In 2002, the Oshkosh Community YMCA opened a new facility. The expansion spurred membership growth and community excitement, but also left the YMCA with a significant burden of debt. The Oshkosh YMCA knew they had to proactively address this debt before it began to compromise the financial health of the organization.

“We knew that it wouldn’t be easy to campaign just for debt reduction,” explained Tom Blaze, CEO of the Oshkosh Community YMCA. “By combining several elements in the campaign, including additions and improvements that will help us fulfill the YMCA mission in the community, we were able to create a compelling case.”

A strong feasibility study and terrific membership growth has helped the YMCA make a compelling case for the financial viability of the campaign to local business leaders as well.  ”We retired signifiant debt and added a new gymnasium along with badly needed multi-purpose space.”

At the advice of Donor by Design Group, the Oshkosh YMCA also changes some of their annual campaign practices, moving it to a different time of the year and putting a new focus on member donors. The change has not only invigorated their campaign, but has also helped to instill a culture of giving with both staff and members.

“Peggy Vinson and Bruce Berglund have both been there. Their experience is invaluable and they don’t ask you to do anything that they haven’t done themselves,” Tom concludes. “We’ve enjoyed working with them and we’re very happy with the results they’ve helped us to achieve.”