24 Hours of Impact
At the midpoint of the 2026 Annual Campaign, Day of Giving brings YMCA members, donors, volunteers, staff and community partners together to rally around a shared vision: a community for a lifetime where everyone is healthier, every child and teen is resilient and no one feels alone.
Mark your calendar on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
This 24-hour giving challenge is designed to raise critical funds, introduce new supporters to the YMCA and celebrate the culture of philanthropy that makes our mission possible. Through grassroots outreach, personal fundraising and community-wide participation, we can expand access to YMCA programs and services for children, families and individuals across the Triangle.
Throughout the day, YMCA branches and programs will host events and activities that showcase the impact of the Annual Campaign and provide opportunities for members and supporters to get involved. Whether you make a gift, share a story, create a fundraising page or attend a local event, every action helps strengthen our community.
Your Day of Giving Game Plan
Everything you need to prepare, engage your network and maximize your impact on Oct. 21.
Set yourself up for success before Day of Giving by creating your GoFundMe personal fundraising page, gathering resources and identifying the people you'll invite to support the Annual Campaign.
- Find the campaign you wish to raise money for below and click on "Become a Fundraiser." Watch our Tutorial
- Make sure you're following the YMCA of the Triangle on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Familiarize yourself with digital assets and templates available below.
- Compile your list of donors that you plan to reach out to on behalf of the YMCA.
Make your gift, engage your network and share the impact of the YMCA. Every conversation, email, text and social media post helps create opportunities for more people to thrive.
- Make your gift.
- Contact as many donors as possible on your assigned list and/or prior donors.
- Utilize phone calls, texts, emails and GoFundMe to make the ask.
- Access digital assets and templates needed to make the ask.
- Like, share and comment on YMCA social media content as it is posted on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Day of Giving may last 24 hours, but the impact continues. Thank your supporters, celebrate your success and build on the relationships and momentum you've created throughout the Annual Campaign.
- Thank your donors.
- The Y will send a thank you video to all donors.
- Evaluate what donors we still need to contact and/or follow up with throughout the remainder of the Annual Campaign.
- Start a list of things that went well and opportunities for future improvement.
Inspire Support
Use ready-made outreach messages to engage friends, family and colleagues in the Day of Giving.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. On Oct. 21, I'm supporting YMCA Day of Giving to help provide academic support, caring mentors and enriching experiences that build confidence and resilience.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
Connection can change a life. On Oct. 21, join me in supporting YMCA Day of Giving to help ensure more people can find the friendships, support and sense of belonging they need to thrive.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
On Oct. 21, I'm supporting YMCA Day of Giving to help build a community for a lifetime where everyone is healthier, every child and teen is resilient and no one feels alone.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
When barriers are removed, opportunity grows. Join me on Oct. 21 for YMCA Day of Giving and help expand access to life-changing programs and services for all.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
In just 24 hours, we can create lasting impact. On Oct. 21, support YMCA Day of Giving and help open doors, remove barriers and create opportunities across our community.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
The Y has made a difference in my life, and I want others to have that same opportunity. On Oct. 21, I'm giving during YMCA Day of Giving to help more people learn, grow, connect and thrive.
➡️ [link]
#YDayOfGiving #CommunityForALifetime #YMCA
Email 1
Subject Line Options
- One Day. A Lifetime of Impact.
- Join Me for YMCA Day of Giving on Oct. 21
- Help Build a Community for a Lifetime
Body
Hi [Name],
The YMCA has been an important part of my life. [Insert your personal Y story here.]
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, I'm joining YMCA Day of Giving, a 24-hour fundraising effort that helps expand access and create opportunity for people across our community.
Together, we can help ensure:
- Everyone is healthier
- Every child and teen is resilient
- No one feels alone
Your gift helps make YMCA programs and services accessible to all, regardless of age, background or ability to pay.
👉 Give here: [Insert link]
Thank you for considering a gift. Together, we can help build a community for a lifetime.
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Email 2
Subject Line Options
- Small Moments. Lifelong Impact.
- Why I'm Giving on YMCA Day of Giving
- Join Me in Building a Community for a Lifetime
Body
Dear [Name],
At the YMCA, small moments often lead to life-changing outcomes. A swim lesson builds confidence. Academic support inspires success. A welcoming community creates belonging.
I've seen that impact firsthand. [Insert your Y story here.]
That's why I'm supporting YMCA Day of Giving on Wednesday, Oct. 21. During this 24-hour giving challenge, our community is coming together to help more people access the programs, support and relationships that help them thrive.
Your gift will help:
- Improve health and well-being
- Build resilience in children and teens
- Create connection and belonging for all
Will you join me?
👉 Donate here: [Insert link]
Together, we can expand access, create opportunity and build a community for a lifetime.
Warmly,
[Your Name]