Fundraising efforts thrive on exposure to new experiences that help build brand awareness and support for the organization.

The McGaw YMCA Annual Giving Campaign is an ongoing effort to raise money and support for the YMCA in Evanston, Illinois. The Development team manages several fundraising activities and events throughout the calendar year to support the campaign.

My role as a design and communications expert is to provide supporters with access to information with a goal of coming together to give for a shared sense of purpose. I have experience with fundraising event support, from executive gatherings to mid-size giving events to large-scale events. Below are a few examples of the support provided for the overall campaign and activities.

Annual Campaign Launch

To help launch the 2024 campaign, I wrote the copy and created the designs for the Case for Support flyer and campaign webpage.

Annual Giving Campaign Event: Day of Giving

As part of the annual campaign, the McGaw YMCA Day of Giving was created to provide prospective donors, members, and staff with an in-person, one day event to build brand awareness and inspire giving. The Development team planned the event as part of the Annual Giving Campaign and secured a matching gift to boost interest.

Our team’s event design included a custom event brand and pinwheel display in the front lawn to represent donations. We produced engaging pre- and day-of-event social media and email marketing strategies, helping lead to a successful event. The event success was shared via email, in the bimonthly newsletter, and via a press release.

“The front lawn at 1000 Grove Street blossomed into a Garden of Gratitude, filled with pinwheels symbolizing the 117 donors who together gave over $12,000 for the Day of Giving. Thanks to a generous matching donation, every contribution to McGaw Y on May 1 was doubled, reaching a total of over $24,000.”