CENTRAL COAST — The Channel Islands YMCA has served the Central Coast community since it was established in 1887 and currently operates six health and fitness facilities, a Youth and Family services branch, and more than 20 child care locations. The dedication and generosity of the organization’s Heritage Club has been a key factor in growth of the programs and services provided by the Y to the local community.
According to Giving USA 2016: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2015, a publication of Giving USA Foundation, individual giving increased nationwide by a record-setting 3.8 percent in current dollars (3.7 percent when inflation-adjusted) and charitable bequests increased by 2.1 percent (1.9 percent when inflation-adjusted) over 2014.
The YMCA board of directors created an endowment fund to provide for the future of the Y. The fund is invested and the Y only uses the return on investment for annual support. Heritage Club members are donors who give a current or planned gift to the endowment fund, continuing the Y’s work in improving communities, families, and individuals.
“All gifts, big and small, make a huge difference as the Y endowment is a segregated fund where the principal of donor-designated gifts is held into perpetuity,” said Jill Rode, Chief Development Officer at the Channel Islands YMCA. “The Heritage Club offers unique ways for community members to create a legacy of compassion and, if they chose, to set a shining example to others through special recognition and other Heritage Club membership benefits.”
Members have the choice of delegating the Y governing board to utilize their gift where the need is greatest or designating the funds to a specific purpose, such as a particular YMCA branch or facility improvements.
Current and planned gifts are accepted. Current gifts may be received in cash or cash equivalents. Planned gifts include bequests through wills, naming the Y as a beneficiary of retirement plans and insurance policies, and living and charitable trusts.
For other designations or questions about the Heritage Club, contact Jill Rode at (805) 569-1103 x23 or by email at jill.rode@ciymca.org. More information as well as an application for the Heritage Club is available online at www.ciymca.org/heritageclub.html.
About the Channel Islands YMCA: Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.
The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information, visit http://www.ciymca.org or call (805) 569-1103.
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