Frequently Asked Questions
Aren't member and program fees enough to support the YMCA? The YMCA of Greater San Antonio is a not-for-profit organization. Membership and program fees do help support the YMCA. However, many of the programs that the YMCA provides do not generate revenue significant to cover costs. In addition, the mission of the YMCA is to make programs available for all, regardless of an individual's financial circumstances. The YMCA provides scholarships and program subsidies thanks to individual, corporate and foundation charitable gifts.
What is the Y Partners Campaign? This annual fund supports the entire experience at the YMCA and targets the most pressing needs, scholarships, outreach, youth development and more. The YPartners Campaign ensures that the YMCA is available to all regardless of their inability to pay.
As one of YMCA of Greater Antonio’s highest priorities, annual giving is the means by which YMCA staff, board members, members, parents, and friends can most effectively contribute their charitable support for the YMCA each year. Y Partners Campaign dollars are used by the branch exclusively to support their community's needs. The YMCA encourages participation at all giving levels.
Gifts made to the campaign are used in the fiscal year of the campaign. 100% of Y Partners Campaign dollars are used for scholarships.
How can corporations and foundations work with the YMCA? The YMCAs Financial Development Department fosters the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with corporations and foundations in the greater San Antonio community and around the nation. The YMCAs strengths in character-driven programs and services can advance a company's strategic business interests and help philanthropic organizations achieve their goals. If you would like to discuss ways that the YMCA can help your organization achieve its goals, please contact us.
What should I consider related to end of the year giving? As the year comes to a close and we enter into the season of goodwill, remember that making charitable gifts provides much-needed support for our mission, is personally heartwarming and may produce significant tax savings for you. By timing your charitable gifts before December 31st, you will see a tax break for that year if you itemize deductions on your income tax return. There are several strategies for resourceful year-end giving.
Does my gift really make a difference? YES! Every gift, regardless of size, makes a difference. The gifts of thousands of YMCA friends quickly add up.
What will my gift do?
Last year, nearly $1.1 million dollars were raised. As a result, 4,200 families or nearly 14,500 individuals received scholarships for YMCA programming and memberships—think of the difference that made! But the need is greater than ever.
A gift of:
• $2,500 gives 4 children an opportunity to participate in one week of camp at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow
• $1,000 gives 5 teens a safe and supervised place to hang out with a one year membership to the YMCA
• $600 gives 2 children an opportunity to participate in two weeks of YMCA summer day camp
• $300 gives 1 family the opportunity to improve their spirit, mind and body with a one year membership
• $100 gives 1 child the opportunity to improve his/her self esteem by participating in a YMCA youth sports program
Does the YMCA accept Matching Gifts? Yes. Corporate matching gifts are encouraged. Donors simply gather their company's matching gift form and submit it to the YMCA with their gift. The YMCA promptly completes the matching gift form and returns it to the corporation.
Will I receive a receipt for my gift? All donations (no matter the size) will receive an IRS compliant thank you note for your tax reporting purposes.
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of a friend or loved one? Tribute and memorial gifts are welcomed. The donor will be provided a tax compliant thank you note. The individual (or his or her family) will receive an acknowledgement from the YMCA noting that a gift has been made in honor or memory. The donor's name and address will be provided to the family so that they can acknowledge your generosity, but the YMCA does not share the gift value with the family.
What are the manners in which I can make a gift? Cash, checks, credit cards, bank electronic funds transfers/draws, appreciated assets, real estate, stocks, and planned gifts are all accepted by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. Capital pledges may be made over a period of years with a signed letter of intent. Annual gifts to the Y Partners Campaign should be paid in full by August 31st. Payments may be made in person at a branch, via mail, by phone call, email or online.
How do I designate my online gift? Unrestricted gifts support the YMCAs work through our community and provide the most flexibility. You may direct your gift to benefit any of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio branches. On the “designation” line, simply select where you would like your gift directed when you complete the donation form.
Will my gift be kept Confidential? Your gift to the YMCA is held in the strictest of confidence. Your information will not be sold, rented, or traded to any other organization or company. Online transactions are secured through Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). Unless anonymity is requested, the names of donors or $1,000 or more will be listed in our Annual Report.
How do I contact the Financial Development Department and/or where do I mail my gift? The Financial Development office may be reached at (210) 246-9622 or by mail at 3233 N. St. Mary’s Street, San Antonio, Texas 78212.