Find out how you can help

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• Capital Campaigns

  From time to time the Capital District YMCA or one of our branches may conduct a special fund raising campaign to fund a unique capital project such as a new roof, building addition, or even an entire new YMCA facility. Capital campaigns often offer exciting opportunities for you to become further involved in the life of the Y. For details, e-mail Jackie McDonough at jmcdonough@cdymca.org or call her at 518-869-3500.

   

  Current Capital Campaigns

  Greene County

  Schenectady

• Endowment & Heritage Club

  The Heritage Club honors people who have made estate plans that provide for the Capital District YMCA or who have made outright gifts to our endowment.

  You may join at any time by informing the YMCA that you have provided for the Capital District YMCA in your will, through an insurance policy, or through a trust. Some of these “planned giving vehicles” not only save you tax dollars, they may also provide for you and your loved ones during your lifetime and beyond. The YMCA can assist you with the advice of a financial planner, accountant, and/or lawyer when considering making this type of gift.
  
  If you wish to consider a trust, a gift or a bequest to the YMCA, please contact Jackie McDonough, Vice President of Financial Development at 518/869-3500 x9920.

• Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program

  At the Capital District YMCA, we strive to make sure that every child's day brings about bigger and brighter achievements - but we can't do it alone! 

  Your support through the Reach Out For Youth Scholarship Program ensures that many children and their families who otherwise would not be able to afford YMCA programs and services are included.  You not only give Capital District area kids the chance to belong, but you'll help those children learn the important values that will positively impact their lives and our community tomorrow.  Learn More.

• Testimonials

  Each year, through your donations, the Capital District YMCA is able give  families and children the ability to have a safe and fun outlet to strengthen our mission to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.  Below are the words and stories of just a few of those who you have helped continue to afford the opportunities the YMCA offers.

   

  Mission Moments

  "I would like to take a moment and thank you for your kindness.  This means a lot to my family.  I am a single mom of three girls and school clothes and supplies are very expensive.  When the start of school comes, I am always afraid of extra doctor bills.  This now allows me a little relief.  Thanks again."

  "Running Start means so very much to us.  Being a single dad on workers compensation and trying to provide for my 2 girls has been difficult to say the least.  It’s been two plus years and two surgeries since my injury.  This help is so very important to us.  Thank you so very much.  God bless you."

  Reach out for Youth Story

  Last week I was stopped by a member while making my rounds in the pool area.  Michelle and  her kids are on the swim team. I said hello, and asked her how things were going?  She immediately  put her head down and said that she was struggling to make her membership and did not know how much longer she could keep her children in the swim program. 

  Apparently, Michelle's husband had passed away 5 months ago and  now she is the provider of her 3 children and did not want to sacrifice their Y membership or her children's involvement.  This was a great “outlet” for her children and herself, to avoid dwelling on her husband’s passing.

  I told Michelle about how we might be able to help her and her children through our scholarship program.  She was surprised we had such a program.  I reassured her it was confidential and she said good because she felt embarrassed, but would take a look at the paperwork and be back on Friday.

  On Friday, Michelle personally sought me out to tell ne she felt she had no alternative but to apply, and after speaking with her kids, they really wanted to keep coming to the YMCA.

  I was excited to be able to tell Michelle that thru the scholarship program she qualified for a reduced fee and she and her family could continue to use the YMCA.  She was so delighted tears came to her eyes, as she said this place has been life changing for her and her children.

• Volunteering

  At the YMCA, your time and talent go a long way. Every hour you spend as a YMCA volunteer translates into the caring attention a child or teen needs to grow up healthy and resilient. It translates into support for families so they can be successful and strong. Into healthier lives for people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and incomes. Into a safer, more viable community that's a good place to live and work.

  YMCAs are first and foremost volunteer organizations. To put it in perspective, not every YMCA has a building, but every YMCA has volunteers. All 2,663 YMCAs are volunteer-founded, volunteer-based, and volunteer-led. Local volunteers establish YMCAs-not the YMCA of the USA-and local volunteers run YMCAs, continually ensuring that YMCAs are meeting the unique needs of their communities. Volunteers are at the heart of every YMCA and that is why YMCAs are at the heart of community life in more than 10,000 communities nationwide. From helping Civil War troops more than a century ago to international disaster relief efforts today, YMCAs are one of the nation's leading volunteer organizations.

  As a YMCA volunteer, you can lead an exercise class, read to a preschool class, coach a basketball team, cook for a bake sale, design a program brochure, greet people at the front desk, find items for an auction, serve as a role model for young people, help out in the office or at a special event, or be part of a group or committee working on a neighborhood problem. No matter how you help, you'll make a big difference as you work with others to create a feeling of connectedness in your community.

  The basic definition of a YMCA volunteer is "anyone who willingly gives time to help the YMCA accomplish its mission without getting paid by the YMCA." In the Y movement, we have five categories of volunteers:

  1. Program volunteers help lead programs or assist in delivering programs (e.g., a program instructor, coach, aide or member of a program advisory council). This category also includes those who offer community service as participants in a YMCA program (e.g., the members of a Hi-Y club, or school-age children who interact with adults as part of an intergenerational buddy program).
  2. Support volunteers serve in the office, at the front desk, in the locker room or on the grounds.
  3. Fundraising volunteers raise money by working in annual, sustaining, capital or other special campaigns; working on endowment development; or by working at or running special events.
  4. Policy volunteers serve on the Y's board of directors, on a committee or task force.
  5. Managerial volunteers help manage and administer YMCA operations and programs (e.g., a pro-bono accountant or PR specialist).

  Please note that young people can serve in all of the above capacities as long as, like adults, they have the proper skills, training and supervision.

  To solve the problems closest to home-or better yet-prevent them-the YMCA needs more people like you. Do something good. Volunteer at the YMCA.

  For more information regarding volunteering opportunities contact your local branch.