YMCA Fundraising Ideas

YMCA, or “The Y”, has a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. For many people the local YMCA is their gym, pool, yoga studio, track, basketball court, tennis court and their weight room. All these facilities have to be built and maintained, of course, and the YMCA is a non-profit organization, so many Y’s rely on fundraising events to help them defray the costs of upkeep. The Y is also known for donating the use of their facilities to other non-profits for fundraising events.

One of the biggest decisions is often deciding what type of fundraiser to do. In Texas, the East Montgomery County YMCA held a BBQ fundraiser to benefit the YMCA Partners Scholarship campaign which provides financial assistance to families who cannot afford the cost of YMCA programs. In Myrtle Beach, SC, the YMCA held an indoor cyclethon for adults as a fundraiser. Fundraisers by other YMCAs include family nights, dances, dinners, coin drives, auctions, thons, product sales, and raffles.

Check out our complete list of fundraising products and do-it-yourself fundraising ideas for your next YMCA fundraiser.

You can also choose from a wide variety of YMCA DIY fundraising ideas to supplement your program. How about a dance marathon (the YMCA dance, anyone?), Frog Jumping Contest, Reverse Raffle, Chinese Auction, or thons of every type? Perhaps one of these successful and creative ideas can be adapted for your YMCA fundraiser.

Minute to Win It – What kinds of crazy things can be done in 60 seconds? A “Minute to Win It” fundraiser is inspired by the game show of the same name, where contestants are given 60 seconds in which to complete a game or challenge using everyday objects. Read more…

Board Game Tournament – This can be held as an individual or team competition fundraiser. Suggested games include Scrabble, Cranium, Catch Phrase, Taboo, Battleship, Connect Four, Twister, Uno, etc. Entrants pay $10, and the top 2 or 3 win a prize. Make it a regular tournament and hold a new board game competition each month. Read more…

Center Court Toss – There are several fundraising techniques for basketball game halftimes but they can be adapted for other locations. Numbered, rubber stars are sold and then the holders of stars line up around the perimeter of the gym and toss the stars at the center of the court. Read more…