Every year, NAYDO recognizes YMCAs who have been exemplary in their fundraising. The judging panel, Jeanette Heywood, Danny Maier, Meghan Reddick, Carol Schmidt, and Robb Hermanson, along with Chair Bryan Webber, waded through strong entries from across North America. This year they selected two worthy recipients of the prestigious NAYDO Eagle Award!

Frost Valley YMCA

Frost Valley YMCA is a 5000 acre residential camping, outdoor education and conference center that hosts more than 35,000 people annually, located in the heart of the Catskill Mountain Preserve approximately 2 hours north of New York City.

CEO Jerry Huncosky and Development Director Kathryn Dobbs have built a staff and volunteer team that have achieved strong results in all facets of their development program. A highly innovative communications plan in support of their annual campaign that has enabled them to grow their annual campaign and donor base significantly. Equally impressive is their recent success with a $7.5 million capital campaign, and continued growth in their endowment fund with assets at approx. $11 million. And in the middle of all of this, was a creative and resourceful response to two hurricanes that nearly wiped them out – Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Sandy in 2012.

YMCA of Greater New York

The YMCA of Greater New York, led by CEO Jack Lund and Senior VP & CDO Gary Laermer, celebrated 160 years of service in 2012, and is in the middle of an ambitious “Next Century” campaign to raise and invest more than $115 million in the communities they serve across Greater New York. The annual campaign raises more than $6 million with 100% staff participation and creative approaches to leadership gift development. Participation in their planned giving program has increased 50% in the last three years. And their “Next Century” campaign, that capitalizes on the public-private partnership model, has already yielded strong results with the completion of three new YMCA centers, and two renovated centers, with two new centers scheduled to open in 2013, following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Beyond the bricks and mortar, they are also focused on strong community program development.

Congratulations to both organizations!

Last Friday at NAYDO, a group of camping professionals got together as part of a panel to discuss "Burning Questions in Camp Fundraising and Alumni Development." The following are their summary notes from the session:

Katie Trippi from McGaw YMCA Camp Echo began the session talking about the importance of creating and maintaining a list of 20 top fundraising prospects for your camp. This list should be created and update annually with a calendar of planned interactions with each member for cultivation purposes. The ultimate goal being the asking and securing continued support and eventually a major gift to your camp.

Sallie Ransom from Camp Seagull and Seafarer introduced the topic of Capital Campaign fundraising and the importance of choosing a project that is important to both Camp and to donors. When they tried to raise money for swimming pools they found donors reluctant to support a project that would replace swimming in a lake. When they reconfigured their case statement and included other projects that donors were excited about they were successful in raising the money needed for those projects and for the swimming pools. Sallie suggested creating a board of visitors including your donors to encourage their help in setting the vision and raising money to achieve that vision.

Kathryn Dobbs from Frost Valley YMCA introduced the topic of creating a Culture of Philanthropy at your camp. Creating a message that is easily articulated by Campers and Staff which tells your camp story and why camp needs support. “Our goal is to help more than 332 children who would otherwise not be able to experience all that Frost Valley has to offer."

Magill Lange from the Seattle YMCA Camps Colman and Orkila incorporate their high school and college age staff in their annual campaign phone-a-thon. High school kids who are in their first year as campaigners write heartfelt thank you notes to donors who have been contacted by phone and agree to send money. They move up into calling positions the following year. The end of the campaign is celebrated with an event which includes parents of the high school kids who are cultivated and recruited to replace their kids as volunteers when their kids move out of the area for college and beyond.

Ellie Orbison from Camp Manito-wish uses a small college model for her annual campaign. This model relies on 120 volunteers who are all over the country and the world who make phone calls, send emails and regular mail to contact their prospects for an annual gift to camp. Manito-wish has a 93 year tradition of collecting contact information for Campers and Staff alums. The culminating celebration event for their annual campaign is a dinner in Milwaukee that all donors are invited to. This past winter, a parent requested from the audience to speak to the assembled group. She spoke eloquently about her gratitude to Camp Manito-wish for providing her daughter and excellent experience.

Mike Bussey from Donor By Design spoke about Planned Giving and Endowment as well as the fund development survey that is completed by camp directors each year. Last year’s survey showed that 75% of camps intend to begin a Planned Giving and Endowment program in the next 5 years but have not done so yet. Mike stressed the importance of giving your donors the chance to make this type of gift.

The session was opened to the audience for questions.

The first question was about how to determine when your camp is ready to bring on a full time development professional solely focused on fundraising for camp. The answer was that there is not a set benchmark for budget size or number of campers served. Each camp has set their priorities and if a Development position falls into those priorities than there are ways to make it happen. There has been not study of the ROI on bringing on a development person for camp. Development directors serve many purposes, they can be instrumental in setting up and ensuring that the Camp Exec is getting out to meet with donors. They can help to identify, locate, and cultivate potential donors.

The next question was about combining the fundraising efforts of three Y Camps in the same association. Magill talked about how Camp Coleman and Camp Orkila share the same Campaign time lines but each camp has their own volunteers and prospect. Correlating the campaign dates helps to consolidate the administrative resources needed for these campaigns. Sallie creates affinity groups such as sailors from both camps who work together to raise money for sailing trip scholarships. They look to find common ground when raising money for Capital and Endowment for both Camps.

The next question was about how best to grow the number of alumni contacts they have for their camp. Ellie talked about looking to their current camper population for alums. Manito-wish asks on their registration form if any family members are alums of Manito-wish. Katie talked about the importance of keeping your alums close to your YMCA and Camp Administration, do not let them go off and form their own 501c3. You want to keep their goals aligned with Camp’s goals.

The next question was about tools to connect distant alums. Ellie spoke about their alumni mentoring program where Camp Staff and young alums can find professional mentors from the alumni at Manito-wish. Their friends asking friends annual campaign helps to build those distant connections. Most camps are extending their friends asking friends efforts to a year round effort as opposed to setting a prescribed number of weeks for an annual campaign. Sallie spoke about the Seagull – Seafarer Fireball weekends (Fireballs are a very traditional Camp Candy). They invite all alums and have family focused activities, but they also set time for the Camp Exec to present a state of our camps presentation so that Alums feel they know more about Camp today and what is planned for the future.

The next question came from the Montreal Camp representative who have just completed a very successful capital campaign and reopened a 100 year old camp. His question was how the Case for Camp has changed in the last 30 years? The consensus in the room was that the case has not changed but the demands for measuring outcomes has increased. Frost Valley has redesigned their camper and parent surveys to capture and measure these outcomes. Summer Learning Loss has become the most recent cause that camps are asked to address we should consider adding a half hour of reading to our camp day and perhaps a book group activity to address this issue. For the most part the Camp Experience has not changed, but we must articulate our case in different terms.

The next question was about what software we are all using. The answers were: Manito-wish uses IMUS, Seattle uses Camp Brain, Daxko, and Excel spreadsheets. Frost Valley uses Thin soft, Seagull-Seafarer uses Donor 2, Camp Echo uses CampAlum.com and Raisers Edge.

The final question was about the use of the academic model for Camp fundraising. John Anz from YMCA Camp Becket and Chimney Corners announced that he is doing an entire session on that topic after lunch. The workshop was adjourned.  

At Thursday night’s Eagle Awards dinner we were delighted to welcome keynote speaker, Dr. Jean Clinton. Dr. Clinton is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. 

In her presentation, “The First R: Relationships. How Love Builds Brains,” Dr. Clinton demonstrated how our relationships with our children are a key factor in shaping their long-term health and well-being. She reminded us that the work Ys are doing each day in preschools, child care centers, swimming pools, and sports fields means something bigger. It’s more than fun…it is truly building brains and brighter futures for the children served at the Y.

A self-proclaimed brain geek, Dr. Clinton reminded us that play is child’s work. In playing with, caring for, and nurturing the children, the Y is creating memories, changing brain connections, and changing the paths for so many kids.

It didn’t hurt that she was hilarious, relevant and spoke with a charming Scottish accent. But most of all, her words were a reminder of the important work we do each day for our youngest members.

Nearly 20 countries are represented at this year’s NAYDO conference. From Australia to Uruguay, Kenya to Columbia, more than 40 YMCA professionals and volunteers from countries reaching far and wide have joined together for a common purpose: YMCA Fundraising.

The goal is to connect YMCA professionals and volunteers from around the globe to share best practices, campaign models, and successes. As an international organization, we all stand to benefit from what our colleagues are doing in other parts of the world.

We’re excited that on Friday morning, YMCA of Sydney’s Philip Hare will lead the session: Board Renewal – An Australian Way. We’re eager to hear how they work with volunteers in the land down under.

If you are at NAYDO, be sure to seek out one of the International attendees. Listen for an accent different than yours, introduce yourself and make a connection to someone from another country. We are truly a global community.

The rooms were filled and pens were busy writing in the first few rounds of the Education Track Workshops on Thursday afternoon. Attendees chose sessions based on their area or interest and need for professional development from capital to endowment, board development to social media.

They shared a few of the takeaways from Thursday’s sessions:

• Explore the passion of your prospects in the context of your organizations’ strategic vision.
• Have a volunteer in the room to help in your conversations with prospects and donors.
• There’s NO excuse for not following through with a donor. Do what you say you are going to do.
• Ask a board member for a bequest while they are on the board.
• Ask board members for a sacrificial contribution.
• Have your board do a self-survey to see what they believe they need.
• Listen to your donors.
• Listen to your donors. (Yep, it’s that important so we listed it twice.)
• Mission education (to your staff, volunteers, donors, etc) is year-round. Not just at campaign time.
• Create a social media calendar and stick to it.
  
• And one attendee wanted to be sure we quoted,  “Seth & Beth’s grant writing workshop was excellent!”

And that’s just from the handful of folks we asked. NAYDO is full of inspiration and information that will serve YMCAs for the months and years ahead. These few days are the spark that many need to re-ignite the development fire.

We are so grateful to our presenters who came with compelling and invaluable information. We can’t wait to see what Friday brings.

The Y is about personal growth and potential. We’re about helping others learn new skills and live their very best. The same should hold true for those who work for the Y and support the mission each and every day.

As a fundraising professional, attaining your CFRE is a true opportunity for growth. Among the benefits:

• Professional Development and Growth: the process helps you develop your personal path for growth. As the world changes, so do the principles and standards for fundraising. A CFRE certification keeps you sharp with continual training, studying and learning.

• Resumé Builder: Those four letters show that you have a commitment to the profession of fundraising and are willing to invest in yourself and your career.

• Build Your Network: As a CFRE, you are connected to others who are working in your field. They can provide a source of inspiration, knowledge and motivation as you navigate some of your biggest challenges.

Becoming CFRE certified shows you mean business. It tells donors, volunteers, your staff and yourself that you are committed to philanthropy. It shows you care to connect donors to their interests in order to help strengthen the community.

Not yet certified? Learn more on Thursday morning at Make Your Next Career Move by Becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). Attendees will get an orientation on the application process and criteria, as well as tips for preparing for the certification test. Learn from other Y professionals who are CFRE certified and how the certification has helped with their career achievements.

If you’re not at NAYDO, feel free to visit cfre.org to learn more and begin the application. It’s well worth the effort to stand out as a YMCA professional proficient in strategic philanthropic leadership.

Among its many benefits, NAYDO = Networking. You get the chance to meet people just like you. They have the many of the same struggles, needs and challenges. Most importantly, they all have the same mission. NAYDO is a great reminder that you don’t have to do this alone.

Sure, the needs of your community may be unique, but the work we do both in the community and behind the scenes is similar across communities and even across the globe.  What can you do to inspire more people with your mission? How can you find more donors and volunteers with the capacity to give time or money? How do you ask them support? What are new ways to thank or acknowledge donors, volunteers and staff? NAYDO is a great place to find answers to those questions.  All of us are facing the same challenges and opportunities, regardless of the size of our campaign goal or where we call home.

Set a goal this year to make two new contacts. Pledge to stay in touch and be a resource to each other. Serve as a mentor to a newbie or seek a mentor to aid in your professional development.

When you are faced with a challenge, like volunteers who need extra motivation, or a campaign that has hit a plateau, call on your contacts for a little help. And when you get that, “Hey, pal. Can you help me? I’m a little stuck,” phone call, be sure to answer.

You’ll find that your colleagues from hundreds of miles away are ready and willing to help, share their information, and maybe even just listen and say, “I’ve been there. You’ll get through it.”

We could all use a little help from our friends.

Each year at the NAYDO Conference, you see people walking around with ribbons attached to the bottom of their nametags. These ribbons identify presenters, track deans, NAYDO Council members, etc.  They look like this:

This year, we have decided to have some fun with the ribbons.

We’ve created special I Like and I Tweet ribbons to identify the more social media-minded attendees at the conference.

Follow NAYDO Facebook updates or the hashtag #NAYDO on Twitter for a chance to get yourI Like or I Tweet ribbon at the conference.

We will be tweeting and posting on Facebook the conference location and time you’ll be able to pick up one of these ribbons. Think of it as a scavenger hunt to find that extra ribbon to dress up your name tag and add a little more fun to your conference experience.

Plus, who knows whom else you’ll meet who’s as social-media savvy as you?

Toothbrush. Comfy shoes.  Ziploc baggie with TSA-friendly toiletries. There’s plenty to do to prepare for NAYDO, but perhaps the most important thing is your mindset. You are committing three (or more) days of your valuable time to the event, make it worth it. Be sure you leave the conference with new ideas, new contacts, and a renewed enthusiasm to tackle the year ahead.

So as you print your e-ticket and double check your hotel reservations, keep these suggestions in mind to get the most out of the 31st Annual NAYDO Conference on Philanthropy:

• Coordinate – Study the conference brochure (find it on line at naydo.org if you do not have one).  Talk with others from your YMCA who will be attending to coordinate schedules so that you have representation at as many of the workshops as possible.
• Stay Current – Experience the conference in real time through Twitter, Facebook, and on the blog on naydo.org.  You’ll get photos, videos, session recaps, and tips before, during and after the conference.
• Plan Your Time – Ask previous attendees which presenters they recommend. Assess your professional development needs and attend the workshops focused on those topics.
• Build Your Network – Take every chance to sit with someone new, attend receptions, and participate in the networking events.  Swap business cards so you have a team of professionals across the country that you can call on for advice and information throughout the year.
• Take Action – Set up a meeting with your team about one week after you return.  Share key learnings and insights with them from the conference.  Together, make some specific commitments as to what you will “put into action” as a result of what you have learned.
• Have Fun! Most of all maximize your NAYDO Conference experience by having fun and enjoying this great opportunity to share, learn, and celebrate!

Oh…and, participate and get noticed! We're always looking for people who are willing to blog for the conference. Share your insights, thoughts, and experience. Interested? Contact conference@naydo.org for more information!

The 2012 NAYDO conference is nearly here! As you're getting ready for your trip to Pittsburgh, remember to bring:

• lots of business cards
• layers to wear - especially if you're someone who gets cold or warm easily
• your "idea shopping" list. Just like at the grocery store, you can get overwhelmed and distracted by all the great information at NAYDO. So keep a little list with you of the key questions you need answered and people you want to meet.
• your smartphone (if you have one) for posting and tweeting about the conference
• a smile!
  

Each year, people return to the NAYDO conference to refresh and re-energize with new ideas and new relationships.  

We're always looking for people who are willing to blog for the conference. Interested? Contact conference@naydo.org for more information!