In episode 18 of the Community Rec Magazine Podcast, Peter DeGregorio, the CFO of the YMCA of Delaware, provides his takeaways for diversifying funding at rec centers during uncertain financial times.
DeGregorio shares how the YMCA of Delaware focuses on public and private funding, program areas like health and wellness, child care, and youth enrichment, and demographic and location diversity. Innovative strategies include private grants and multi-partnerships, such as a real estate development project in downtown Wilmington, Delaware. He also emphasizes the importance of a common vision, community engagement and focusing on mission delivery to secure funding. DeGregorio also provides advice from his career for other industry leaders to learn from.
Enjoy!
Key Takeaways From Episode
- Diversify Funding Streams
- Consider multiple dimensions of funding: sources (public/private), program areas, demographics and locations.
- Explore private grants beyond traditional government funding.
- Create multi-partner collaborations that expand funding opportunities.
- Community-Centric Approach
- Consistently assess the value you’re delivering to the community.
- Listen actively to community needs and desires.
- Be willing to adapt programs based on community feedback.
- Identify and engage community “connectors” who can help spread your message.
- Fundraising and Capital Campaigns
- Paint a compelling, big-picture vision that inspires potential donors.
- Focus on the broader impact, not just the immediate project.
- Highlight how your project will positively change lives and create future opportunities.
- Resilience During Financial Uncertainty
- Prioritize delivering high-quality mission-driven work.
- Trust that good work will ultimately attract funding.
- Don’t let funding concerns distract from your core mission.
- Remain adaptable and committed to serving your community.
- Strategic Partnerships
- Seek partnerships with multiple organizations.
- Ensure all partners share a common vision.
- Be prepared to compromise and find mutually beneficial solutions.
These insights can help recreation center leaders strategically approach diversifying funding, community engagement and organizational sustainability.
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