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July 16, 2020 Giving Guide 2020

YMCA of Central Massachusetts

Responding to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Armed with over a century and a half of experience, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts has weathered many adversities. During these times, the Y’s flexibility has helped us serve those in greatest need.  Over the past few months, members, donors and a passionate staff have remained committed to supporting our community. This pandemic truly has demonstrated why we are so much more than buildings with gyms and swimming pools. For months, with the support of our partners, we worked to deliver essential services, such as child care, to ensure front line workers had a safe place to bring their children. We continued to address food insecurity as we prepared and delivered thousands of meals a week in Worcester, Southbridge and Fitchburg. Recognizing the strength of serving as a relationship organization, we connected with our members, particularly those most vulnerable and isolated. As with every crisis the YMCA – and the community – has faced over time, we will take these invaluable lessons learned as we shift our services and embrace ever-evolving community needs.


Future Goals

As an organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through programs and services that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts will continue to focus on addressing the well-being of children and families across the region through: 

(1) Strengthening, cultivating, engaging and retaining next generation leaders in our staff, governance and volunteers to support a cause-driven organization; 

(2) Serving as a safe haven for young people, through the delivery of child care, leadership development and academic support services that build real-world skills;

(3) Combining our efforts to advance the goals of health seekers, utilizing evidence-based health initiatives, with an emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations;

(4) Delivering innovative initiatives, in partnership with over 100 local organizations that build the necessary skills to live healthful lives; and

(5) Welcoming and embracing a diverse network of individuals working collectively to help others achieve a better life, as volunteer engagement remains at the core of our mission. 


Giving Opportunities

Each year, the Y’s Annual Campaign raises philanthropic dollars in order to maintain high levels of direct financial assistance and program subsidies to meet growing community need. In 2019, dedicated volunteers and staff worked in partnership with local donors to raise over $1 million. We offer low- and no-cost programs, ranging from affordable and educational afterschool care, teen leadership opportunities, cancer survivor initiatives and family-focused healthy-living programming. While these programs come at little to no cost to participants, they are not free for the Y to operate. With significant community need in mind, a strong Annual Fund is essential to our Y’s impact on our neighborhoods.

Some of the many ways you can help support our cause include:

Annual Campaign gifts, signature event sponsorships, community partnerships, matching gifts, YMCA community events, workplace giving, in-kind contributions, bequests and planned giving.

To learn more, visit www.ymcaofcm.org.


Volunteer Opportunities

Fundraising, volunteerism and advocacy are critical parts of social responsibility at the Y. We welcome all individuals to join us in our efforts of strengthening our community. Volunteers serve as the foundation of the YMCA. They unite with staff, members, partners and donors to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve. 

There are many different opportunities for volunteering at the Y, including participation in Association and Branch Boards and Committees, raising funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community, coaching our sports teams and teaching many of our classes and motivating and supporting youth in building the character strengths, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health, smart life choice and the pursuit of higher education and goals.

Volunteering is more than just sharing your time and passion, it’s about the satisfaction of knowing you are helping people become stronger, giving back to your community and gaining valuable work experience. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful, enduring change right in your own neighborhood. For more information, please contact your local YMCA Branch for additional details.


Fundraising Opportunities

With deep roots throughout Worcester County, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts has come to serve as an invaluable resource to the children and families in our region. Y staff and volunteers constantly identify and evaluate evolving community need, and respond with dynamic community-based programs. Our fundraising success is a demonstration of confidence from the community as they invest in our proven track record and breadth of services to create healthier individuals and communities. 

Our Y works with a host of Mission Partners to raise philanthropic dollars to ensure our services are accessible to those who need us most. Proudly, 100% of dollars collected contributes directly to the Annual Campaign – the vehicle for providing direct financial assistance and subsidizing programs. In 2019, our Y supported our neighbors with over $2.5M in community benefit to improve lives in the heart of the Commonwealth. 

We engage Y members, volunteers, individual donors, local businesses and foundations as we raise the necessary funds to meet the growing need in our region. Anyone can make a difference today by contributing to the Annual Campaign through an individual gift, participating in one of our signature events, volunteering and so much more. Visit any of our six branches to learn more or contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 508.755.6101, extension 9277.