Annual Campaign Kickoff - Youth Development News Post

For over 150 years, our YMCA has served as a leader in our community, helping provide the needed resources to strengthen families and children. But we could not possibly do this without continued support!

That is why we invite our members, staff, volunteers and friends each year to help us raise funds through our Annual Giving Campaign, which enables the Y to turn no one away due to their inability to pay.

When you donate to the Y, 100% of your contribution supports our Financial Assistance Program which is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey region has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. It’s a tax-deductible gift that makes a difference!

Learn more about three of our major initiatives:

Parents of nearly 30 million children in the U.S. want after‑school programs for their kids, yet over 75% of those children lack access to quality out‑of‑school time (OST) opportunities. These programs are essential for safety, connection, and healthy development. 

The Y offers high-quality, structured programs year-round.

  • We welcome 65,000+ kids and teens to the Y to explore programs, sports, and clubs. This includes 2,141 seventh graders who begin their Y journey with a free membership.
  • Over 36,700 kids and teens build confidence, develop their skills, and express their creativity through programs like swim lessons, gymnastics, arts, science, dance, and more!
  • Our day camps, overnight camps, and out of school time summer programs welcome over 8,000 youth!

According to the CDC, only about 47% of U.S. adults meet the federal physical activity guideline of at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This means a majority of adults aren’t getting enough activity to maintain good health.

A CDC report also found that only about 1 in 7 seniors are meeting physical activity guidelines during leisure time, highlighting the need for structured community support to help older adults stay active.

The Y makes healthier living accessible.

  • We have 41,105 adult (ages 55+) members across the association that prove healthy living, connection, and confidence don't have an age limit.
  • The Y offers over 100 different types of group ex classes and over 133,200 class were offered last year. That's 3,000+ per week!
  • We welcomed 610 individuals into our specialty programming like Livestrong at the YMCA, Veterans Wellness, Maternal Wellness, and Adaptive programs.

Research shows that community partnerships play a key role in providing critical services like child care, food access, and family support, helping address barriers to learning and engagement for children and families.

Principals and educators report that community partners are essential for services such as before- and after-school programs, health supports, and food access — all of which help children succeed in school and life.

When community programs offset costs (like scholarships and financial aid at the Y), families are more likely to stay in the workforce, children are more likely to participate in safe, structured environments after school, and families can avoid economic strain.

The Y can offset costs and connect communities with impactful programming at all levels.

  • In 2025, the Y distributed $3.6 million in financial assistance to help over 21,900 individuals access programs and memberships.
  • The Y serves over 5,400 children through early learning and OST programs across 89 locations. We've served over 254,000 nutritious meals in these programs.
  • Over 150 community partners and donors give $1,500+ annually and are proudly recognized on our annual donor wall. They help us fund critical programs and provide financial assistance.

Where:

This celebration is held at and supports of all our Greater Philadelphia YMCA locations.

When:

Join us at each Y location from Thursday, March 12, through Saturday, March 14, 2026.

How to donate:

In-Person:

Stop by your local YMCA and join the fun! We'll have in-person donation options, activities, stories, and more!

Online:

Make your donation at your convenience. Click the link below to support this initiative.

Multiple locations

See event info for location details.
Event Details
Mar 12 2026 - Mar 14 2026