NAYDO eDEVELOPMENTS
July 2026 News from North American YMCA Development Organization
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Message from the NAYDO Chair
NAYDO IS YOUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLACE
Dear NAYDO Members,
There’s a quote that says, “When you do the things in the present that you can see, you are shaping the future that you are yet to see.” That sentiment perfectly reflects the work of NAYDO and our commitment to strengthening philanthropy across the YMCA movement.
The NAYDO Council recently wrapped up a very productive in-person meeting and conference planning session. Our 2027 host, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, is already hard at work creating what promises to be an exceptional Deep in the Heart of Giving experience. Their enthusiasm and dedication are inspiring, and we have much to look forward to for our gathering in Texas.
As we plan for the upcoming NAYDO membership year beginning September 1, I am excited about the new ideas and initiatives generated during our Council discussions. These ideas will help us continue delivering valuable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development experiences that support YMCA advancement professionals at every stage of their careers.
All of our planning efforts are guided by NAYDO’s mission: to inspire and strengthen the philanthropic culture of the YMCA.
No matter what project you are working on, I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available through NAYDO. We are here to support your professional growth, your philanthropic efforts, and the goals and priorities you have established for your YMCA, your staff, and your volunteer leaders.
One member recently shared the impact NAYDO has had on their YMCA:
“One of the most valuable things NAYDO provides is the opportunity to learn from peers who are facing the same challenges and opportunities we are. Receiving financial assistance to attend the conference provided valuable professional development. Our team returned with actionable ideas, new resources, and renewed energy to strengthen philanthropy and build long-term sustainability for our Y.”
— Shelly H.
As you enjoy the remainder of the summer, I encourage you to keep an eye on the future. Renew your NAYDO membership, take advantage of the resources available to you, and continue investing in your professional growth and your Y’s philanthropic success.
Thank you for all you do to advance the mission of the YMCA!
In Y service,
Pam
Pam Hearn, CFRE
NAYDO Chair
Chief Development Officer, YMCA of the Jersey Shore
p.s. The NAYDO membership renewal process opens July 27. If you serve as your YMCA’s Association Contact, be sure to renew your organization’s membership as soon as enrollment opens, so your staff and volunteers can continue to enjoy a full year of NAYDO membership benefits, including professional development opportunities, peer networking, educational resources, and access to the expertise of YMCA philanthropy professionals from across North America.
MONTHLY WEBINAR SERIES
Webinar sponsor: Funraise
July 1 marked the hotly anticipated conclusion to Funraise and Daxko's $25K YMCA Challenge! Over 300 YMCA associations joined, hoping to win $25K, and the big winner was... (drumroll, please!) YMCA of Greater Long Beach! Congratulations!!
While this was one gift to the YMCA community, Funraise's goal is to help you raise thousands of gifts to power your community. Talk to us to find out how.
Thursday, July 16, 1:30-2:30 pm Central
AI Productivity to Save Time, Work Smarter, Raise More
Presenter: Randy Klassen, CFRE | TR Leadership Consulting
This session is designed for YMCA professionals who want to increase productivity, reduce administrative burden, and spend more time on relationship-driven fundraising. Through practical demonstrations and real‑world examples, participants will learn how to use tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini to streamline day‑to‑day Fund Development work.
The session focuses on practical, ethical use of AI to support donor communications, proposals, reporting, and idea generation, with immediate takeaways tailored to the realities of YMCA fundraisers.
Participants will learn how to:
- Use AI tools including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini to draft donor letters, gift charts, and reports quickly, freeing time for deeper donor engagement.
- Apply six core prompting principles to consistently generate accurate, useful, and mission‑aligned outputs across multiple AI platforms.
- Identify at least one current task they can automate or accelerate using AI and leave with a customized example they can apply immediately.
Thursday, August 20, 1:30-2:30 pm Central
3 Things You Must Do to Get Your Board Ready for a Capital Campaign
Presenter: Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE | Capital Campaign Pro
If you’re planning a capital campaign, your board members are likely to be anxious. All board members want to know the answers to a few key questions. And when they have the answers to their questions, they’re more likely to support your campaign with time, talent, and treasure.
In this session, we’ll give you simple and effective ways to get your board members ready for a campaign.
Participants will learn how to:
- Define appropriate roles for board members in a capital campaign
- Understand key strategies for board training on capital campaign fundraising
- Identify the best ways to answer board member questions and bust myths
Thursday, September 3, 1:30-2:30 pm Central | date change because of Y-USA General Assembly
Find Your Fundraising Flow: How to Raise More from the Right Funders Without the Uncomfortable Asks
Presenter: Mallory Erickson | Practivated
Fundraising for the Y means juggling annual campaigns, major gifts, and community partners — often while battling the quiet pressure that asking has to feel pushy. It doesn't. In this session, Mallory Erickson brings her background in executive coaching and behavior science to introduce Alignment Fundraising and the Power Partners Formula — a shift from transactional asks to authentic, win-win relationships that move more money with less burnout. You'll learn how the stories in your own head shape your results, and walk away with a practical approach you can use in your very next donor conversation.
Participants will learn how to:
- - Identify and dismantle the psychological barriers that quietly derail fundraising success
- - Understand the science of donor motivation and what actually drives giving
- - Apply the Power Partners Formula to find and approach the right-fit funders
- - Leave with concrete, repeatable strategies to raise more without uncomfortable tactics
NAYDO PRESENTS AT WORLD COUNCIL IN JULY
The World Council is the highest governing body of the global YMCA Movement. “A World Council both celebrates and accelerates the progress we are making to deliver on YMCA Vision 2030. It’s a unique chance to share – within this global Movement, and with the growing numbers of partners who work with us.” - Carlos Sanvee, World YMCA Secretary General
The 21st YMCA World Council will be held July 19-24, 2026, in Toronto, Canada. NAYDO Council Member and former NAYDO Chair Carolyn Grady, CDO with the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, and Antonio Merino, General Secretary/CEO of YMCA Latin America and Caribbean and NAYDO’s International Representative, are presenting. Their session is Building Community Support for a Stronger YMCA.
YMCAs around the world are facing growing funding challenges. Government support and international grants are becoming less predictable. Philanthropy can help build a stronger and more sustainable YMCA. This interactive session will show how YMCAs with little fundraising experience can begin to engage individuals, businesses, foundations, and local communities to support their work. The session will feature practical examples from YMCAs in different countries and economic settings.
DEEP IN THE HEART OF GIVING WITH THE 2027 NAYDO CONFERENCE
The NAYDO 2027 Conference is April 27-30 at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Here's a Conference preview. Watch this video from the Host Y, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. There is lots going on for conference attendees!
• Make your hotel reservations NOW. The Sheraton Dallas Hotel is the conference headquarters hotel, so all events will take place there except the Closing Party. Hotel reservations are open and filling up. $259 plus tax ~18.4%
For sub-blocks or questions, contact Mary Zoller.
• Conference Registration and Financial Assistance applications open September 14, along with Young Professionals Class of 2027 applications and nomination forms for the Eagle Award for Excellence in Fundraising and the 2027 Communication Awards.
• Watch for details - October 23 Webinar on the 2027 Eagle and Communications Awards. You'll learn about the nomination process, tips for a successful nomination, and more.
TIPS, TOOLS, AND TACTICS
Grants and Government Funding
Nonprofit Grants and Discounts - Microsoft Elevate is committed to delivering affordable and innovative cloud solutions to help nonprofits tackle the world’s biggest challenges. Learn more about technology grants and discounts for eligible nonprofits.
2026 Kids Count Data Book Annie E. Casey Foundation
Development
Free nonprofit templates Funraise
Free Webinar: Change Your Future with 4 Essential Dashboards Funraise
Giving USA 2026 Report: Takeaways You Can Act on Right Now Campbell and Company
Community Building
Fiscal Hosting and Philanthropy The Center for Effective Philanthropy
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!
