As operating expenses continue to rise and competition for new members thickens, successful capital campaigns are more important than ever for nonprofit rec centers.
The good news for the industry is despite growing obstacles and complications, strong grassroots initiatives are a promising avenue to expanding and improving services.
Below, discover how the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA in Traverse City, Michigan, and the Hastings Family YMCA in Hastings, Nebraska, have raised millions in capital campaigns through consistent, hopeful work in the community.
Hastings Family YMCA
In April 2026, the Hastings Family YMCA received a $1 million anonymous gift to push the Y’s $21.7 million Building What Matters capital campaign across the finish line.
The campaign — launched in 2020 — funded a major project aimed at expanding wellness, childcare and senior services in the city and surrounding communities. Since the project’s completion, facility usage has more than tripled over the past 12 months and membership is at an all-time high.
Ty LeBar, the associate executive director of the Hastings Family YMCA, credited the success to the organization’s overall mission.
“Our community believes in what we do, so we were able to gain support because of our mission,” said LeBar. “It took a lot of time and people to see it get done. All the money went toward the renovation of the campaign. We hope the Y facility is around for the next several decades so we can continue to further our mission and positively impact our community.”
Through communicating the goal of the YMCA, the organization made impactful connections throughout the area, powering the campaign.
“People desire to feellike they’re part of the mission,” said LeBar. “Cultivating relationships throughout the year is a necessary piece to be successful in fundraising. The community values the work we do and wants to be part of it. People want to live happy lives, and the Y is here to help every person be able to do that. Don’t settle for what others can or can’t tell you is possible. Believe what you can accomplish is possible.”
Grand Traverse Bay YMCA
Over the last three years, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has raised nearly $9 million of its $12.5 million expansion project.
The development aims to provide productive, safe spaces for vulnerable populations in the area, as the existing facility cannot adequately accommodate the demand.
Andrew Page, the president and CEO of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, said his team also realized the need to address the loneliness and isolation epidemic, which the expansion aims to help solve.
“Creating now purposeful social spaces for our older adult population was another need we hear and see every day,” said Page. “Finally, we needed to expand our wellness approach as well. Focusing on physical, mental, medicinal and community health is in sharp focus for us moving forward.”
Page said he often tells potential donors this expansion isn’t a Y project but rather a community need the Y is uniquely positioned to deliver. This helped the organization’s relationships with impactful contributors.
“Our success has really been based on a grassroots, quiet phase,” said Page. “We’ve cultivated donors of capacity through multiple touch points and continuous in-person interactions. We’ve had to work hard to get commitments but continuing to share the vision and purpose as often as you can is key.”
Capital campaigns aren’t without trials, however. Page said he’s had to manage the ebbs and flows of giving as there are times when the Y had significant gifts arrive in short periods of time and other times they experienced little to no giving.
“This again requires perseverance,” said Page. “A ‘no’ is just a ‘yes’ on a delayed flight. Eventually — if we work hard enough — we’ll get there, but patience and confidence in your vision affords you ample opportunities to try again.”
Trends and Lasting Advice
Page said the project will redefine the Y’s impact in the community as the team has committed their selves to always evaluate how the Y best serves its area.
To do this, Page said rec center teams should be the most uncomfortable when they are comfortable. “By embracing this vision, our team grows with one another side-by-side in our community,” said Page. “This expansion is as much for the team as it is those we serve. This provides the best impact for our YMCA.”
For fundraising in the industry overall, Page said he still sees the desire to support brick-and-mortar projects over other asks like endowment or operations.
“We’ve also experienced differing philosophies in giving based on generational gaps,” said Page. “Old-school, veteran givers tend to appreciate the vision and impact while some new to philanthropy tend to focus more on financial and tactical approaches. Both are important and fundraisers need to be prepared for both.”
Regardless of the donors your center is aiming for, Page advised to not give up in your capital campaigns despite the speed bumps that will occur. Keep pushing forward.
“We have a very large donor who gave to us in the past, but I haven’t been able to secure them for this campaign,” said Page. “While it’s discouraging, it’s also a continued opportunity and I’ll work to approach it with optimism. Fundraising is ultimately the responsibility of the CEO and donors appreciate the presence and input of the leader no matter how big or small the gift may be. Give your campaign grace. Struggles will occur and frustrations can mount but always remember the big picture and why you’re doing what you’re doing. Be kind to yourself and good things will happen.”
