YMCA kicks off annual fundraising campaign
Since this year marks the 175th anniversary of the YMCA, the Y has set a 2026 campaign goal of $350,000.
Moreover, since the organization is celebrating 175 years, the Y is hoping for 175 people to donate $175 each for the purpose of maintaining one “stronger, safer, connected community,” per the organization.
As a nonprofit organization, the YMCA of East Tennessee awards more than $1 million in scholarships every year through donations and community support — not membership dues.
More than 30,000 people are YMCA members across East Tennessee, and another 10,000 participate in YMCA programs, such as swim lessons, youth sports and after school childcare. These aspects
showcase the annual fund’s daily impact.
“The YMCA stands for accessibility to all, and the reason the Y raises money is so that we would never turn someone away for inability to pay,” said Erin Stidham, executive director for the Davis Family YMCA. “We have such a wide scope of programs that benefit from the annual campaign. One of the biggest is access to membership, so [that means access to] fitness programs, youth programs, family fun and discounted or free swim lessons, which is such an important aspect for our community.”
Through these ventures, the Y taught more than 5,000 children — regardless of family income — how to swim last year and welcomes more than 1,000 children from Knox County Schools to its after-school programming.
Stidham also highlighted the organization’s food program, as the YMCA of East Tennessee donated 102,000 meals to three local rural communities in just nine weeks.
“Community members who would like to support this effort can donate online at ymcaetn.org/give,” a press release stated. “Gifts to the annual campaign help provide childcare for working families, teach children life-saving swim skills, connect seniors to community and deliver healthy meals to families in need.”
“This campaign allows for us to meet people where they are in life,” Stidham added, “and we have every resource here for them to reach their goals. We want to take care of their minds, bodies, spirits and well-being. So these donor dollars allow us to continue these financial assistance programs.”
