Securing The Future
Case Statement
The YMCA of Barry County needs to develop a more stable funding base in order to continue to provide mission critical programming for the children and families of Barry County. Financial support from traditional funding sources has declined, both in actual dollars and as a percentage of operating expenses, due to the severe impact of current economic conditions. Given that this situation is not likely to significantly improve in the foreseeable future, it is vital that we act to ensure the continued availability of Y services to children and families; providing opportunities to participate in programs that develop self-confidence, promote a greater interest in learning and provide a basis for making smarter life choices. The need for these programs has never been greater and will only increase.
Campaign Leaders
David & Margaret Coleman
David & Tracy Solmes
Michael & Jackie Brown
Mark & Katherine Sheldon
Campaign Focus
Financial Aid
To make programming affordable and accessible to more families, financial aid is increasingly important given current and prospective economic circumstances. Today over 35% of campers received financial assistance and hundreds of families registering children for youth programs received assistance as well. The need for financial aid is not due to the cost of programming. A national Y survey verifies that our camp and program fees are already among the lowest in the nation. The need is driven by the financial challenges facing so many families in Barry County with the greatest impact affecting many of those who could most benefit from participation in Y activities.
Facilities
The YMCA of Barry County, through the past generosity of the community, is blessed with a superb facility in Camp Algonquin; a facility that provides very important opportunities for families and children to grow and learn in an outdoor, group living environment. It is imperative that this facility be maintained, preserved and enhanced for future generations. While we have been very good stewards, current financial challenges jeopardize our continued ability to keep up with the demands of a maturing and highly utilized facility.
Administration
While administrative expenses have been very tightly controlled; it would be a very significant asset to be able to state to future contributors that 100% of administrative expenses were covered by endowment. Contributors would have the added incentive of knowing that their full contribution was supporting programming and services.
Campaign Goals
Bob King Legacy Fund – the interest earned each year will provide funds to assist families in need. Our goal is $1,250,000 with current gifts and pledges of $450,000.
General Endowment – designed to subsidize all administrative expenses thus allowing the Y to keep its program fees at a reasonable cost. Our goal is $4,500,000 with current gifts and pledges of $3,500,000.
To make a donation to the General Endowment, please click the “Donate Now” button below.
Bob King Legacy Fund – the interest earned each year will provide funds to assist families in need. Our goal is $1,250,000 with current gifts and pledges of $450,000.
To make a donation to the Bob King Legacy Fund, please click the “Donate Now” button below.
Camp Endowment – designed to have money available to maintain and build on the camp facilities. Our goal is $2,100,000 with current gifts and pledges of $1,500,000.
To make a donation to the Camp Facilities Endowment Fund, please click the “Donate Now” button below.
