The YMCA works to achieve its mission of “Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.”
The YMCA of Greater Seattle engaged Alford Group in 2012-13 to conduct a study to test the feasibility of raising up to $4.5 million in a philanthropic campaign to support significant renovations of the West Seattle & Fauntleroy YMCA that will better meet the changing needs of the local community. Alford Group recommended that the West Seattle Family YMCA move forward with a 36-month philanthropic campaign effort with a preliminary goal of $3.5 million.
The Sammamish Family YMCA in coordination with the YMCA of Greater Seattle engaged Alford Group in 2013 to conduct a Campaign Planning Study to determine how best to structure a philanthropic campaign to support the vision of a new Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center operated by the YMCA. Alford Group recommended that Sammamish Family YMCA proceed with a 24-month $3.0 million campaign for the Sammamish Community and Aquatic Center. The $3.0 million effort would be augmented by a $3.0 commitment from the YMCA of Greater Seattle, bringing the total philanthropic commitment to $6.0 million needed for the public/private partnership with the City of Sammamish. The campaign structure included three phases: Awareness Building, Planning and Lead Gifts Phase; Major Gifts Phase; and Public Phase.
Also in 2012-13, Alford Group provided interim staffing to support the YMCA Association Office in the vacant position of Senior Director of Philanthropy. Responsibilities included training and consultation with the Board of Directors, 13 branch executive directors and other YMCA staff to review, revise and refresh fundraising strategies; assist two branch boards of managers and executive staff with pre-campaign readiness activities; and review and strategize planned giving and endowment activities. The interim engagement concluded when the YMCA recruited and hired a permanent Senior Director of Philanthropy.