Michelle Gorham, CFRE

Chief Advancement Officer
YMCA of Rock River Valley, Rockford, Illinois

NAYDO: Ownership Committee
 
 

Experience

  • Years total YMCA staff experience: 7.5

  • Years in current Y position: 7.5

  • Current Budget responsibility: $800,000


Financial Development Accomplishments

Annual Campaign  

  • Doubled annual campaign contributions to $1.3 million in first three years
  • Achieved 55%+ retention rate for new donors and greater than 65% for existing donors.
  • Worked to create a campaign that focuses on relationships over transactions and emphasizes major gifts, strong stewardship, partnerships, and a year-round calendar.


Capital Development

  • Current $20 million capital campaign to renovate aging infrastructure, transform a church into a neighborhood Y, and change with the needs of our community.
  • In the past nine months, hosted more than 100 community leaders in our vision room to share our Y dreams for the future.
  • Received more than $1.75 million in state and federal support.


Marketing & Communications
             Work very closely with a top-notch marketing department to bring the donor perspective into our communications and develop                 fundraising events and strategies that tell our story in an engaging and thoughtful way.

 

Grants
             Received more than $3 million in grants over the past year – allowing us to offer key programs and services to improve                           academic success, develop young leaders, and provide mental health services to children who otherwise would not have access.
 


Other
             Used the lessons learned in COVID to revamp our fall event and strengthen sponsor relationships outside of events – yielding a                 matching gift donor, more sponsorship dollars, and sponsors who understand the mission and cause of the Y transcend any                       event. Advocate with local, state, and federal legislators to build the reputation and recognition of the Y.

 


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