YMCA of the North Launches Final Phase of Forward for All Campaign

Minneapolis, MN — The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, today announced the launch of the final phase in its $225 million Forward for All campaign to strengthen people, places and programs.

“Four years ago, we listened to our communities, they told us what they needed, and we responded with a pledge to raise $225 million to strengthen people, places and programs,” said Bruce Mooty, Forward for All Campaign co-chair. “Many generous donors immediately demonstrated strong support for this mighty Forward for All campaign and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

Over the next year, the organization seeks to raise the final funds to deliver on the promises of the campaign, including a new downtown Saint Paul YMCA, an updated Kici Yapi camp, Center for Youth Voice programming and Equity Leadership Experiences, and an Equity Nature Initiative.

“As we work alongside our community and donors, we are hopeful to raise the remaining funds to push what’s possible, challenge limits and open doors for all with this bold campaign,” said Rajni Shah, Forward for All Campaign committee member.

Progress to date

The Forward for All campaign to date has provided funding for several key initiatives, including:

• Douglas Dayton YMCA, a hub in the heart of downtown Minneapolis and the home of the Y’s new UnitedHealth Group Equity Innovation Center

• Camp Northern Lights, a new family camp 10 miles outside of Ely, on the edge of Superior National Forest

• Stable Homes Stable Schools, a pioneering partnership that helps families build economic opportunity

• Expansion of the Beacons, an out of school program now serving all of Richfield

• Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Get Summer!, a program where 200 high school youth from each YMCA received training in leadership and healthy living

• George Wellbeing Center, a healing space focused on addressing chronic health conditions

• COVID-19 response, community hubs focused on providing childcare for frontline workers, food distribution and more than 92,000 wellness checks with ForeverWell senior participants

Final phase priorities

The final phase of the Forward for All campaign will provide funding for:

• A new downtown Saint Paul YMCA to serve, among others, youth experiencing homelessness

• An updated Kici Yapi camp to make sure young campers from all backgrounds can reap the benefits of nature

• Center for Youth Voice Programming and Equity Leadership Experiences to build a more diverse and equitable pipeline of leaders

• The Equity Nature Initiative to provide youth from underrepresented populations with access to outdoor and camping experiences

• The roll out of integrative health programs that were developed in the George Wellbeing Center to all YMCAs in the region

“Early investors in this campaign stepped up with remarkable generosity,” said Glen Gunderson, president of the Y. “Now, as we enter the home stretch, we are committed to raising the final funds to deliver on our promise to provide life-changing programs so all may reach their potential and realize their dreams.”

To learn more about Forward For All, visit https://www.ymcanorth.org/forwardforall.