YMCA Philanthropy: More Critical Than Ever Before

By Bryan Webber

There is no question that the YMCA is having a positive impact on children, youth and families in North America. I also believe that we could be doing considerably more, and that it’s up to each of us to make that happen.

With almost 1 million charities in the US, and over 80,000 in Canada, the YMCA must do better to rise above the clutter, and make its case for support to attract the resources it requires. It needs to build on the success it’s had working with major donors, corporations and foundations – to work together on developing sustainable solutions that address the increasingly complex health and social challenges our communities face.

Beyond the resources it requires to build and maintain its facilities, the YMCA must expand its reach to low-income communities with children and families that will never get to the YMCA facilities, to deliver programs in their communities using new and different approaches like the Virtual YMCA – a unique community outreach program offered at a number of YMCAs in Canada, and modeled after the program at the YMCA of Greater New York, that provides children with the additional help and attention they need to develop their academic and socialization skills in order to improve their capacity to learn and reach their full potential. (read more about the Virtual YMCA)

Both Y-USA and YMCA Canada have embarked on ground shifting brand review and development strategies that will lead to plans that will strengthen the YMCAs they support, and to position each of them to have a greater impact on children, youth and families, than ever before. Working in lock-step with our YMCA program partners, those of us in YMCA philanthropy will be called upon in the implementation of these plans, to engage more donors on our promises with their volunteer and financial support, and to deliver on those promises.

The 29^th Annual NAYDO Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, April 8-10, 2010, will be a significant philanthropy education experience for up to 1000 YMCA staff and volunteers from across the continent, and your best opportunity to:

• Get an update on the Y-USA and YMCA Canada brand development strategies

• Gain knowledge on best practices and new trends in philanthropy, that you can apply at your YMCA

• Define your personal role in helping the YMCA advance its impact on children, youth and families in your community.

Go to www.naydo.org for conference details. I look forward to meeting you in Charlotte, and to learning more about my role too!

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