40% Fee assistance: The Y provides assistance towards fees for hundreds of families each year. Assistance might be provided for a week at camp, participation in a sports clinic or league, membership in an after-school childcare program or YMCA facility. Our goal: Never turn a deserving youngster away from a needed program experience for their inability to pay the program fee.

32% Youth Community Programs/ Teen Membership: Teen Youth Community Programs include the Lafayette Youth Center, Open Gym Nights, older youth clubs, and other youth-oriented activities. Specific programs for youth members at the Arapahoe and Mapleton facilities are provided including low-cost Saturday-night drop-in program, after school activities and transportation.

18% Teen Leadership: The YMCA Youth Employment program is a no fee service connecting young people to opportunities in the community. Leader-in training, job skills workshops and many certification courses are offered to assist young people grow to their fullest potential.

10% Special Needs Member Services: Some YMCA members require special assistance in order to participate due to a disability. Funds are provided as available and necessary to assist in this way.

DON’T FEES PAID BY MEMBERS SUPPORT THE Y?
Program and membership fees cover about 90% of providing the full complement of YMCA program services in any given year. The Y is a “fair share” organization in that all members contribute their fair share to the operating costs of the Association. Contributions enable those unable to contribute their fair share to still participate.

WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO THE Y? I’M NOT PLEASED WITH SOME OF THE THINGS THEY DO THERE!
I’d like to visit with you about whatever it is that concerns you. I can follow up and put a staff person in touch with you. Many times misunderstandings occur because of misinformation. I hope that one misunderstanding will not turn you against the whole organization. The YMCA of Boulder Valley serves thousands of people in our community and we need your support to continue our work.

MY KIDS AREN'T IN THE Y PROGRAM ANYMORE.

Sooner or later, they will be affected by the Y’s far reaching programs. Since the Y is a community resource, it is important for all of us to insure that other kids and families have the opportunity to benefit.

I DON’T HAVE ANY CHILDREN.
A strong YMCA makes any community a better place in which to live and do business. Over 10,200 families experience the positive effects of YMCA programs and activities. We all benefit from a strong Y.

I GIVE TO THE UNITED WAY.
We believe strongly in the values of the United Way and appreciate your support, however the amounts we receive from United Way do not fulfill the need we have for support. In fact, we are encouraged to develop our own sources of funding in addition to the amounts given through the United Way.

IS MY CONTRIBUTION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
The YMCA is classified as tax-exempt under section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to the YMCA are tax deductible to the extent allowed by current law. The YMCA will mail necessary supporting documentation to all donors at year-end.

I WOULD RATHER GIVE TO THE BUILDING FUND.
The Capital Campaign is a critical part of our long-term development plan and we appreciate your desire to support the project. We find that most donors recognize the importance of supporting the ongoing work of the YMCA, and therefore look at contributions to the Building Fund as above and beyond any annual support amounts.

If you are unable to answer a specific question, please contact your YMCA staff liaison who will contact the prospect directly. This is a critical step in interpreting the YMCA’s work in the community.