NAYDO eDEVELOPMENTS
July 2025 News from North American YMCA Development Organization
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Message from the NAYDO Chair
Dear NAYDO Members,
As the leaves begin their vibrant transformation and a growing crispness fills the air, I find myself reflecting on the spirit of change that autumn brings to our YMCA movement. The coming of fall is an invitation to pause and look ahead with purpose. Your dedication to strengthening communities is evident in your every outreach, partnership and story of impact.
With 2026 on the horizon, our planning is essential. Now is the time to envision how your Y can grow, adapt and lead in philanthropy and mission-driven service. As you consider strategies and set goals for the future, remember that success is built on the foundations we lay today. Our commitment to professional development and equipping our staff and volunteers with the tools they need is the key to unlocking our potential.
To support your fund development training goals, I encourage you to explore the NAYDO resources available. Past conference and webinar recordings offer a wealth of practical knowledge and inspiration—perfect for individual learning or group viewing. If your Alliance or regional centre is looking for a more tailored experience, you can request a half-day training session tailored for all Ys in your service area.
Don’t overlook the value of integrating webinars and network virtual events into your year-round training plan. These opportunities provide accessible, timely learning and connect your staff to a broader community of peers and mentors. Finally, be sure to budget for and plan to attend the NAYDO 2026 Conference on YMCA Philanthropy next May in Long Beach, California. Make your hotel reservations now. Registration opens September 29.
Let’s embrace this season of preparation together, knowing that investing in our staff and volunteers will yield positive results into 2026 and beyond. Thank you for your steadfast NAYDO commitment and for being the heart of the YMCA movement.
In Y service,
NAYDO Chair Pam Hearn, CFRE
CDO, YMCA of the Jersey Shore
MONTHLY WEBINAR SERIES
Thursday, September 18, 1:30-2:30 pm Central
Leveling Up: Professionalizing Our Philanthropic Work
Deb Strecker | Plus Delta Partners
Christina Harley, CFRE | YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
How can we be more transparent and collaborative in our work with prospects and volunteers? What role do intentionality, process, and professionalism play in how we communicate and operate, and where can we find efficiencies in our approach? Learn how to take advancement work to the next level by using radically honest language in meeting requests and when dealing with challenging situations in the quest to securing additional philanthropic resources to advance the mission of the YMCA.
Register
https://naydo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Pg85IUiXTbu0QkiZthOZwQ
Grants Network AND Monthly Webinar combined!
Thursday, October 16, 1:30-2:30 pm Central
From Blah to Brilliant: Funding Needs Statement Makeovers
Presenters:
Anabel Spencer | YMCA of the USA
Ali Hollenbeck, GPC | Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA
Crafting a grant proposal can be a challenge if you are unaware of all the resources available to you and how to maximize them for your grant writing needs. This can be especially challenging for new Y grant writers or those who add granting writing as part of a broader role. In this webinar, we will share grant writing tips and introduce you to valuable resources, including how to best utilize Y LINK. We also will place special focus on how to create or elevate your Needs Statement with the resources provided.
Register https://naydo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/97-hKbNtRt-6Rp-cfDKXow
Operations Network
September 16, 1:30 pm Central
Unlocking Productivity Using AI: Practical Applications for YMCA Leaders
Randy Klassen, CFRE - Fund Development Consultant, TR Leadership Consulting
This session will explore how AI can support YMCA operations through real-world examples in Fund Development. Attendees will learn how to create effective AI prompts and apply AI tools in planning and grant writing. You will leave with practical knowledge and techniques to enhance productivity and support your Fund Development goals.
Randy Klassen, CFRE - Fund Development Consultant, TR Leadership Consulting
Thank you to our Network Sponsor, Operate Fit https://operate.fit/
Don’t miss this event! Register Today! https://naydo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/mtOMxQrOTROCQZtXieGDEw
Under $4M Budget Network
September 23, 1-2 pm Central
John Biggins, CEO, and Nick Zimmer, Senior Consultant, American City Bureau
Topic: Feasibility Studies and Capital Campaigns - Maximizing Your Impact
Description: The feasibility study is a crucial, preliminary step for any non-profit considering a major fundraising effort like a capital campaign. It evaluates the organization's readiness for such a campaign and the potential for success. This workshop will provide YMCAs with critical information to share with staff and volunteer leadership to help position your association for a future feasibility study. Attendees will leave with an understanding of key aspects of a feasibility study including objective evaluation, stakeholder interviews, case for support development, data analysis, and roadmap and recommendations. The workshop will also provide an overview of the outcomes that will be generated through a feasibility study such as informed decision-making, realistic goals, stronger relationships, identified strengths and weaknesses, and increased board /volunteer confidence
Network Sponsor, American City Bureau https://acb-inc.com/
>> Register https://naydo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/aTM2tptiQku7DokPnoojNQ
NAYDO Volunteers in Philanthropy (VIP) Network
Wednesday, October 8, 1-2 pm Central
Introducing Bailey & Finley: Y AI Advisors for Stronger Boards and Deeper Giving
Bill Powell, Chief Operations Officer, and Jeff Saunders, SVP of Brand Experience, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Empower your board members and volunteers with the support of Bailey (Board Development) and Finley (Fundraising)—our YMCA AI Advisors. These tools are designed to help leaders and changemakers like you strengthen board engagement, recruit effectively, and foster a lasting culture of philanthropy. Whether you're preparing for a campaign, onboarding new board members, or building confidence in fundraising, Bailey and Finley provide on-demand guidance tailored to YMCA values and goals. Use them to spark ideas, grow your impact, and lead with purpose.
Sponsor: American City Bureau https://acb-inc.com/
Register
https://naydo-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/GwWvaiYsR6eLvxzqRj2SRw
To receive e-blasts about Network events, add the networks you choose to your database record using this link. Questions about Networks? Contact Erica Halpern, Networks Manager
MEMBERSHIP
Check out this special NAYDO Member offer from Brian Saber of Asking Matters for 6 months of board development training for $49/month.
NAYDO 2026 CONFERENCE
3 Steps to Take Now and Hotel Update
Conference registration open September 29. If you plan to attend:
Step 1: Make sure your Y will qualify for the Member Rates by ensuring your Y’s Association Membership is renewed by your Association’s NAYDO Contact.
Remember, only current NAYDO Members can apply for Conference Financial Assistance.
Step 2: Make hotel reservations. Here is the status of our 5 NAYDO hotels:
Westin – SOLD OUT
Hyatt – Was temporarily sold out but some rooms added; SUB-BLOCKS are AVAILABLE only at the Hyatt
Marriott Downtown – SOLD OUT
Marriott Courtyard – OPENINGS
Hilton - OPENINGS
NAYDO does not use a Housing Bureau so beware of third party websites. Use the NAYDO reservation links, NOT others that may pop up.
Step 3: Put the 2026 Conference in your budget.
NAYDO
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eDevelopments Disclaimer Unless they are NAYDO members, sponsors or exhibitors, the websites, consultants, and other resources cited in these articles and links are not endorsed by NAYDO. The information is provided as food for thought only!
