Conferences come and go, but their impact can last far beyond the event itself. Last month, at NAYDO in St. Louis, we had the incredible opportunity to connect with YMCAs from across the country—and we brought something special to the Amilia booth.
Our team hosted an interactive activation that asked YOU about your fundraising experiences. We didn’t want to let those meaningful conversations fade into memory. So, we’ve packaged the insights and feedback you shared into a quick, easy-to-digest recap to keep the momentum going.
Here’s what we learned.
Your time is valuable, and we wanted to ensure every moment at our booth was about connection. We intentionally chose a low-tech setup—an interactive sticker wall—to foster a safe, welcoming environment where honest conversations could flow freely.
The wall became a space for reflection and connection. Dozens of Ys shared their challenges, priorities, and fundraising journeys. Our goal was simple: to create an experience that reflects what Amilia stands for—collaboration, listening, and genuine partnership. We’re more than just a software provider—we’re in this with you.
Over the course of the conference, we asked booth visitors three simple questions about fundraising. Here’s what you told us:
Question 1: “If your Y received an unexpected $1M donation, what would you invest in first?”
We offered four options:
Top insight:
Facility improvements was the clear priority, chosen by about half of all participants.
New programs and services came next, followed by staff development and then technology upgrades.
Question 2: “How does your Y primarily fundraise?”
The top fundraising method?
Annual campaigns—by far the most common response.
Also noted: corporate sponsorships had moderate representation.
Less frequent? Member donations and fundraising events, which saw the fewest responses.
Question 3: “How many of your members are also donors?”
About 90% of respondents said fewer than half of their members donate. This highlights a critical opportunity: How can we better engage members in the fundraising process?
One promising solution is to integrate fundraising directly into your YMCA’s registration and recreation management platform. By using a tool you can connect to your software, like Bloomerang, you can create a seamless donation experience for your members.
💡 Pro tip: Set up custom suggested donations during checkout to keep giving top-of-mind.
We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by the Amilia booth. Your insights are helping shape the future of fundraising in the Y Movement—and we’re proud to be part of the journey with you.
Until next time! 💙
