NAYDO eDEVELOPMENTS

November 2024                                                News from North American YMCA Development Organization   
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Message from the NAYDO Chair  

GRATEFUL FOR NAYDO; GRATEFUL FOR YOU! Dear NAYDO Members, Hang on tight because the end of the year is approaching quickly! This is a time we traditionally set aside to celebrate, give thanks and recognize the people who mean so much in our lives. For development professionals, these months can also be stressful as we navigate end of year giving. If you throw in a Turkey Trot, a holiday event and perhaps a capital campaign, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Maintaining perspective during stressful times can be a challenge. We all experience highs and lows. It’s a simple fact of life. Whenever these moments arise, it’s important to acknowledge our feelings, take time to consider what we would do differently, and then keep moving forward. Occasionally, we need a friend or colleague to help guide us through our professional ups and downs. It’s at times like these that I am especially grateful to my NAYDO family. Through you I have found community, fellowship and professional growth. With your support, I’ve weather professional challenges and celebrated some sweet accomplishments. Because of NAYDO, I’ve come to understand that none of us walks this path alone. That’s why this season I am especially grateful to you for sharing your gifts with NAYDO, your YMCA and your community. Please remember to stay engaged as a member and virtual participant. Let’s connect with each other on LinkedIn (I mean that!). Together, let’s practice a gratitude mindset and give thanks for our donors, volunteers, members, good health, loved ones, and the mission we are so privileged to serve. In closing, don’t forget to plan now for the NAYDO 2025 Annual Conference on YMCA Philanthropy, April 30-May 3 in St. Louis. This is where NAYDO really comes alive! You will connect, network, learn, share, and have fun. More importantly, what you bring back from the conference will make a difference for you, your staff and volunteers, your Y, and the Y Movement. With gratitude,

Carolyn Grady, NAYDO Chair
SVP, Chief Development Officer, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh

MONTHLY WEBINAR SERIES
November 21, 1:30-2:30 pm Central
Balancing Act - Recognizing Donors Through a DEI Lens
Presenter: Lynne Wester, Donor Relations Group

Donors want to feel special. We want to recognize them. What happens when recognizing the elite among our donors is in direct contradiction to our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion? How can we say we’re committed to inclusivity when we have giving societies that are based solely on a donor’s capacity to give large amounts of money? What do giving and recognition societies look like in light of our commitment to DEI as an organization? Join us for the rethinking of donor recognition. 
Register

December 12, 1-2 pm Central
Providing Exceptional Customer Experience & Member Engagement
Presenter: Mike Ellis, Amilia
Joint event with NAYDO's Program & Membership Network
YMCAs must leverage every advantage to drive growth and maintain relevance. Delve into how exceptional customer service and proactive member engagement can serve as transformative revenue drivers.
Join us to learn about:
- Increased Engagement  
- Competitive Differentiation
- Increased Retention and Member Lifetime Value (LTV) 
- Word of Mouth and Referrals
- Member to Donor Pipeline
Register
Network Sponsor: Amilia

NAYDO Webinars qualify for Y-USA Leadership Recertification and CFRE certification credit. Past webinars are posted on the members-only section of the website. Contact Kristen Obaranec, CFRE, if you have trouble locating them. 

NAYDO NETWORKS: UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS
NAYDO Networks are peer groups – loosely based on job duties – where you can ask questions, share ideas, find solutions, and connect with peers in the Y Movement. Here are the latest Network events.  
 

November 13, 1-2 pm  Central
Volunteers (VIP) Network - Calamity to Confidence: How Integrity Wins Donors in Moments of Crisis
Presenter: Margie Newman Tsay, Intesa Communications Group

In today’s fast-moving, 24/7 news cycle world, at some point your YMCA’s reputation will come into question. Are you prepared to build trust and confidence as you journey through a reputational crisis? Using the YMCA of San Diego County’s 2023 reputation challenges, you'll learn tangible take-aways you can implement for crisis communications preparedness.
Register 

November 19, 1-2 pm Central
Camp Network - Creative Ways to Raise Resources for Camp
Presenter: Nathan Brant, Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs

From traditional fundraising to using your camp property as a resource, we’ll discuss creative ways to raise funds at Camp. Nathan promises to share at least one approach you haven’t tried yet. We’ll cover donor cultivation cycles in camping, alumni organizations, events/rental, forestry plans, and government funding while sharing resources you can take back to your programs.
Register

December 10, 1-2 pm Central
NAYDO Staff New to Leading Y Development Network - Giving Together: Building a Culture of Philanthropy at the Y

Panelists: Tymikia Glenn, Center Director, YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South; Carolyn Grady, SVP/CDO, YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh; Kristen Clayton, CFRE,
VP Philanthropy, YMCA Canada
Culture of philanthropy is the cornerstone to furthering the mission of the YMCA. Join in a panel discussion featuring Y leaders in various leadership roles who will share how fostering a culture of philanthropy has helped to advance the mission and grow the impact of their YMCAs.
Register

Participate in and learn from any of NAYDO's 10 Networks. Don't miss out on these great learning opportunities! 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 Managers about Network events, add the networks you choose to your database record using this link.    

NAYDO 2025 CONFERENCE

Conference Registration December 6 is the deadline for the $850 Member Rate and for Financial Assistance Applications and the Financial Assistance Applicant $50 rate. If you haven't made a decision to attend, take another look at the conference brochure. If your Y needs additional resources to operate, how can you afford NOT to attend? 2025 Conference Brochure Hotel Reservations - IMPORTANT The Hyatt Regency currently has rooms available on all nights. The other hotels will have openings from time to time as attendees change their reservations, so it is worth it to try the other hotel links but our blocks are sold out. If you cannot find a hotel room from those listed in NAYDO Brochure/Website, contact Mary Zoller, info@naydo.org or 504 858 3379 with your arrival and departure dates. NAYDO will assist you IF you are registered for the conference. APPLICATIONS AND AWARDS - December 6 Deadlines   • Conference Financial Assistance  One application form has space for 3 applicants, the maximum number allowed from one Association. There are 2 types of assistance. You can apply for one or both.    • Registration Assistance - IF you register at the Conference Assistance rate of $50, you can apply for the balance of $725. Money is internally applied to cover the balance if awarded.    • Travel Assistance - You calculate an amount that might include airfare, mileage, hotel, etc., and receive onsite a check payable to your Y if awarded. All applicants must be registered for the conference by Dec. 6 for application to be considered.  • Young Professionals Class of 2025 - Staff 35 years old and younger as of 5/3/2025 are invited to apply for this special program that provides an opportunity for a customized schedule based on goals, mentoring, and networking in a smaller group at selected times during the conference - all at no additional cost. Contact info@naydo.org for more details.   • Eagle Award for Excellence in Fundraising - Get the recognition your Y deserves for demonstrated success in annual, capital and endowment over the past 5 years; budget categories for all size Ys. See why you should apply for the Eagle Award. Contact Eagle Awards Chair Zane Korytko 506 866 1163.  • Communications Awards - YMCAs of every size and with any fundraising goal are encouraged to submit for recognition in NAYDO's Communications Awards. Check out award categories, criteria and online forms. Contact Communications Chair Christina Harley, CFRE with questions.

 WELCOME, NEW NAYDO COUNCIL MEMBERS!

Melissa Di Fiori           
VP of Camping
YMCA Storer Camps


With 15+ years of experience in YMCA camping, Melissa currently serves as the Vice President of Camping for the YMCA of Greater Toledo. She  served as an Educational Track Dean for two years and on the Camp Network Team for three years, plus facilitated Hot Topics and assisted with registration. She has served on the YMCA Overnight Camp Cabinet Data and Analytics Committee and is part of the new YMCA of the USA Thought Leader Cohort for Camping. She will lead NAYDO's Camp Network.
 

Kyle Wilkes
Chief Development Officer
YMCA of Greater Tulsa

Kyle has worked for the YMCA for 24 years. He now serves as the CDO for the YMCA of Greater Tulsa. He developed and opened a YMCA in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He has raised over $50M in capital and $20M in program support in the past 9 years and has over $10M in unsolicited funds from the community. Kyle serves on NAYDO’s Program & Membership Network and is a longtime NAYDO Conference supporter. He will serve as the new 2025 Sponsor Exhibitor Chair. 

TIPS & TACTICS

Donor Relations
6 best practices for pledge reminders   Omatic

Operations & Philanthropy
5 software developments that should be on your radar   NonprofitPro

Board Development 
Tips for an outstanding board retreat   Bloomerang 

Collaborations and Partnerships
How Community Partnerships Strengthen Summer Learning in Rural Districts Wallace Foundation

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!