Give Back To The YMCA Of Greater Erie

The YMCA of Greater Erie is a not-for-profit, charitable organization that puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. We believe that no one should be turned away due to an inability to pay a fee. Each year, thousands of children and families are able to participate in YMCA programs thanks to the generosity of our donors. In addition, many YMCA programs and services are provided at little or no cost thanks to the contributions and sponsorships of area businesses and individuals.

Learn more about the YMCA’s annual scholarship campaign We Build People.  Visit www.webuildpeopleerie.org.

Give to the YMCA today! To make a donation, call our Executive Offices at (814) 452-1432 or put your gift to work immediately by donating online.

Donate Online

1. Log onto the branch you want to donate to by clicking the branch name below:

County Branch
Eastside Branch
Glenwood Branch
Downtown Branch

2. If you know your login and password, go to #5. Otherwise, click on “Retrieve Login”.

3. Enter your email address. This is the address we must have in the system before you are able to register online. If you have not given your address to the Welcome Center, you will not be able to use the online registration. Your address will not be given to anyone else and will be used for YMCA purposes only.

4. You will be emailed your user name and password.

6. Select Make A Donation.

7. Select the type of donation you would like to make and click in the box to the far left of the line to put a check mark in it and select “Add to Cart”.

8. You may continue to make donations until all donations you would like to make are in your cart. Then, select View Cart.

10. Select Check Out.

11. If you have a credit, you will see a “Credit” box. If you would like to use the credit, click on it. Then click on “Use Online Credit” and enter the amount of credit you would like to use in the Credit Amount box.

12. Click on Submit.

You will be asked for your credit card information. Our site is secured by PayPal, so all information is safe.

Strong Kids

How does a society make itself stronger? By helping its youth become strong, independent, and confident. Making a positive impact on the lives of children has been a fundamental goal of the YMCA of Greater Erie for 150 years.

The reason is simple: children are the world of tomorrow but that world is shaped today. Critical to helping children and their families is the long-held Christian principle of the YMCA mission that no one will be denied membership or program participation because of inability to pay.

To provide a base of support for persons who need financial assistance, the YMCA has developed a system of making memberships available through a scholarship program. It could be argued that by making such scholarships available, the YMCA is performing the highest realization of its mission. Frequently, many people who could benefit from the sense of community of Christian values are the ones unable to afford a YMCA membership. It is to these many youngsters that the YMCA reaches out with basic understandings of new, positive friendships and values of health and spiritual enrichment. Such programs, classes and lessons can have a lifelong impact but only if children are given the opportunity to take part and belong.

Every dollar of the money raised annually by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign goes directly toward immersing a child in the YMCA’s world of positive values and guidance. Funds raised by last year’s Strong Kids Campaign subsidized child care for more than 2,500 children. It made swim instruction and summer camp possible for more than 6,000 area children and provided $150,000 in program and membership scholarships for children and families who otherwise would not have had these positive opportunities.

When a YMCA volunteer calls on you during our 2010 YMCA of Greater Erie Strong Kids Campaign, remember that your tax-deductible contribution will directly make a positive impact on the lives of youth and families in our community.

If you would like more information about the Strong Kids Campaign, call (814) 452-1432.

Gifts of Stock/Planned Gifts

Gifts of Stock:

The YMCA of Greater Erie welcomes gifts of stock and mutual funds for the purpose of annual giving, as well as for gifts to capital projects or the endowment. Gifts of stock and mutual funds can be made by calling our Executive Offices at (814) 452-1432. Your thoughtful gift will help to further the mission of the YMCA of Greater Erie.

Planned Giving:

Everyone- regardless of economic status-can create a legacy and make an impact by including the YMCA of Greater Erie in his or her Will. A bequest (a gift designated through a Will) is the most common way for a donor to ensure that the work of the YMCA can be carried out for generations to come. It is often a way for a donor to make a much larger gift to the YMCA than could be made during the donor’s lifetime.

If you would like to include the YMCA of Greater Erie in your estate planning, please contact your attorney for information and guidance.