2025 Communications Contest Award Winners

Congratulations to these communications contest awardees!  

CAUSE COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR
Recognizes efforts by a YMCA leader to inform, educate and engage the staff team, volunteers, donors and/or community. Clearly articulates a vision that inspires and motivates others to positive action.
            John Ehrbar, President and CEO, YMCA of Buffalo Niagara - Commitment to Community: Position the CEO as consistent, mission-driven voice                      aligned with the strategic vision and community impact priorities
            Turkey Trot Video           Press Conference Video          Champions Post         Stakeholder Breakfast

SMALL BUDGET STAR
Recognizes YMCAs that have developed a multi-faceted communications campaign designed to inform, educate, or persuade specific audiences about the Y’s cause, impact or an initiative while spending $5,000 or less on their campaign.
           YMCA of Greater Boston - Give Joy: Multi-platform storytelling campaign with video vignettes; produced for $2,500  
           Aquaholics Video           Season of Giving Video          Deline Video          Yanluis Video          Annual Gala Video
          

COMMUNICATIONS CHAMPION FOR INCLUSION
Recognizes a Y that has demonstrated its commitment to welcoming and serving all people within a philanthropic campaign. It should be clear that elevating the commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion was a focal point of communications pieces.
          Gateway Region YMCA - Sports for All: Capital campaign for Adaptive Sports Complex so all can play
           Opening Day Highlights Video         Sports for All Campaign Booklet          Sports for All Print Materials          Website          Rendering

PHILANTHROPIC COMMUNICATIONS CHAMPION
Recognizes YMCAs for a clear and creative strategic approach to the development of communications fundraising campaign and tools.
          YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South - Sweat for Swimmers: Activate wellness members & staff to raise awareness and funds for drowning                           prevention programs
           Anything is Possible Video - Media Partner: Erwin Media           Banner           Flyer

            YMCA of the Rockies - Climbing Higher: Capital campaign to expand and enhance mission delivery
             Capital brochure          One-Pager          Promo Video          Intro & Invitation Video          
      
BEST OVERALL CAMPAIGN EXCELLENCE
Recognizes YMCAs for developing the best overall strategic campaign in its class. 
             YMCA of Greater Seattle - Q4 Community Campaign: Boost donor engagment, grow year-end giving and increase ROI through data-driven,                         personalized outreach
             Poster           Direct Mail Appeal          Email         Atticus Video        Landing Page

             YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth - Digital Transformation: Strengthen digital communications plus strategic use of data to better engage the                   community 
             Digital Showcase of Designs              Metrics            Website Design

 EXCELLENCE IN STRATEGIC COLLABORATION
Recognizes a group of YMCAs (3 or more) who come together to share assets and resources for a common strategic campaign or communication design. Only one award is given in this category.

             YMCA of Pictou County and YMCAs of Atlantic Canada - Give the Gift of Camp: Raise funds across 11 Ys to break down financial and access                              barriers to camp participation
              Poster             Letter template          Rackcard         Thank You