YMCA Endowment: Making an Impact Forever
A YMCA endowment is the gift that keeps on giving: it creates a lasting legacy and secures the Y's future, today.
At the December 7 Association Advisory Council Meeting, Steve Hibbs, Chair of the Endowment Investment Committee, shared how he and his wife, Becky, married their love for the Lakewood Family YMCA with Steve’s fascination with compounding investments by establishing a named endowment fund that will provide a gift to the Y in perpetuity. As people of great faith, it is important to them to help ensure that future generations can flourish at the Y.
Endowment gifts are a cornerstone of sustainability for nonprofit organizations like the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties. These contributions provide enduring financial support, ensuring that the Y can continue its mission of serving all, regardless of inability to pay. Steve shared the following regarding the impact a gift to the YMCA Endowment Fund can make:
Financial Aid for Those in Need
Endowment gifts can play a vital role in the YMCA’s ability to provide financial assistance to individuals and families who might otherwise be unable to access our programs. These funds make it possible for children to attend summer camp, for teens to participate in leadership programs, and for families to enjoy the health and wellness benefits of Y memberships. By removing financial barriers, endowment gifts uphold the YMCA’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all.
Support for Designated Areas
Endowment contributions often align with donor passions, allowing funds to be designated for specific programs or focus areas. Whether it’s youth development, community outreach, or wellness initiatives, these targeted gifts ensure resources are allocated where they’re needed most. This focused support can lead to the growth and innovation of programs that address the unique needs of the Pierce and Kitsap County communities.
A Legacy of Impact
Endowment gifts are more than donations—they are investments in the future. By creating a sustainable funding source, these contributions allow the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties to plan boldly, innovate thoughtfully, and serve meaningfully. They ensure that the YMCA’s mission endures, empowering the community and fostering a legacy of resilience and opportunity.
Steve shared how a gift of $5,000 a year for 5 years can result in $1,000 in financial aid forever. The larger the gift, the larger the impact. In fact, following that December 7 meeting, George Hovany, Tom Taylor Advisory Council Member, declared that he and his wife Pat, both dedicated volunteers at the Tom Taylor YMCA and Camp Seymour, would like to establish an endowment at the YMCA using their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA). Thus, creating the first endowment for Camp Seymour and satisfying their Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) for 2025. A truly winning combination! Learn more about George and Pat.
To learn more about how you can make an endowment gift and contribute to this lasting legacy, visit https://www.ymcapkc.org/give/legacy/endowment or contact Clayton Denault, Association Director of Philanthropy at cdenault@ymcapkc.org. Together, we can continue to build stronger, healthier communities for all.
Passion Purpose and Progress
The theme for the fourth quarter Association Advisory Council Meeting was Passion, Purpose, Progress. Many volunteers ask Executive Directors, “How can I help?” The question should be followed up by another question; “What are you passionate about?” Once volunteers match their passion with a purpose, we begin to see positive progress. For example, Harold Shea recruited Jason, an engaged member and successful banker in the community to join a YMCA Board (years ago). Harold talked to Jason and mentioned that he thought Jason would be fantastic on the Finance Committee. Jason replied, “do I have to be on the finance committee? I’m a banker and that pays the bills, but my true passion is art.”
Immediately, Harold thought, I should be asking what volunteers are passionate about first and then align that passion with a purpose. Jason joined the Program Committee and soon started making a large impact at the YMCA. The center received a large grant which Jason wrote for art supplies. Jason helped with the interview process for the center's full-time art director and then worked alongside her to expand the arts. Jason used his connection at the high school to book their auditorium for the YMCA’s dance Recital for free. This saved over $4,000. With Jason’s help the quality of art programs and events improved immensely and the participation grew over 300%.
Please let your Executive Director know what you are truly passionate about. By aligning your passion with a purpose, we are confident that everyone will see positive progress.
Welcome New Advisory Council Members
From Sumner to Silverdale, the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties has volunteer leaders who serve on Advisory Councils. We are excited to welcome the following volunteers. We look forward to your advocacy and aligning your passion with a purpose that will serve the YMCA and strengthen your communities.
Lakewood Family YMCA: Mandy Kaplan and Hakim Rahman
Mel Korum Family YMCA: Samara Heydon and Kay Tremper
Tom Taylor Family YMCA: Glen Grader
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Service Saturday at Camp Seymour
April 19, 8:30am-4:00pm
Join staff, volunteers, teens, and friends of camp for our annual day of work, play, and building strong community sponsored by the Washington State Department of Ecology. Click here to register to help.
8:30 Continental Breakfast
9:00 Service Projects Kick-off
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Projects Continue
4:00 Wrap-up and go home
Supervised children ages 12 and older who are ready to work (no childcare provided).
All participants under the age of 18 must have their Service Saturday waiver signed by a parent/guardian in order to participate.
Q2 Association-wide Council Meeting
March 6, 5:00-6:30pm at the centers and virtually.
If you have any comments, questions or ideas for future newsletters, please contact Harold Shea, Operations Director at hshea@ymcapkc.org.