In this Expert Q&A, Greg Coil, the CEO of the Tri-Cities Family YMCA in Grand Haven, Michigan, details how the Y completed a $10 million renovation of its 80,000-square-foot facility. The project focuses on expanding childcare, modernizing health, and wellness spaces, and addressing more than 25 years of deferred maintenance. Improvements included upgraded classrooms, universal locker rooms, better accessibility, and relocating cardio and track areas to a brighter main floor.
The YMCA spent several years strengthening its community profile, building fundraising capacity, and recruiting influential local leaders before launching the campaign. Its parallel fundraising strategy combined private donations and public grants, ultimately raising about 60% from public sources and 40% privately. Coil’s main advice to community recreation leaders is to maintain facilities proactively, recognize their impact on financial sustainability, and prepare for the substantial leadership effort required for a capital campaign.
Enjoy!
