Transparent eagle sculpture with text on the left: NAYDO Excellence in Fundraising Eagle Award in white, yellow, and red letters, on a black background.

NAYDO Eagle Award

For Excellence in Fundraising

Recognizes Associations that are integrating philanthropy into all aspects of YMCA work

The Eagle Award for Excellence in Fundraising is presented annually to YMCA Associations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement in YMCA philanthropy. Because there are budget size categories, more than one Y can win each year. YMCAs that received the Eagle Award prior to 2022 are eligible to reapply.

2027 nominations will open September 14, 2026. Deadline to apply is January 8, 2027.

Award Winners

Awards are presented at the Impact Awards General Session during the annual NAYDO Conference. It is expected that award-winning Ys already have a delegation registered for the conference. The Award-winning Y qualifies for ONE FREE CONFERENCE REGISTRATION which can be used for reimbursement for someone already registered or for a new registration.

2026 Award Recipient
The Lawrence County YMCA
Website
2026 Award Recipient
Treasure Valley Family YMCA
Website
2025 Award Recipient
YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga
Website
2025 Award Recipient
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg
Website
2024 Awardees
No awards presented.

Judges did not feel applicants met the criteria.

2023 Awardee
YMCA of the Okobojis
VIEW WINNER
2023 Awardee
YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas
VIEW WINNER
2022 Awardee
YMCA of Greater Houston
VIEW WINNER

2023 Award Winner

YMCA of the Okobojis

2023 Award Winner

YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

2022 Award Winner

YMCA of Greater Houston

2022 Award Winner

YMCA of Catawba Valley

2020 Award Winner
Gateway Region YMCA

Due to the cancellation of NAYDO 2020 because of the pandemic, that year's winners were recognized at the NAYDO 2021 Virtual Conference and no nominations were accepted for 2021.

2020 Award Winner
YMCA of Western North Carolina

Due to the cancellation of NAYDO 2020 because of the pandemic, that year's winners were recognized at the NAYDO 2021 Virtual Conference and no nominations were accepted for 2021.

Nomination Process

Who can nominate?

A supervisor, staff colleague, board member, campaign volunteer, a Y-USA/YMCA Canada or YMCA LAC staff member, or any other interested party with a thorough knowledge of the YMCA's fundraising record would be appropriate. NAYDO encourages Association self-nomination from deserving and perhaps overlooked YMCAs.

Five Categories for Awards

Categories are based on Association operating budget size:  

  • Less than $4 million
  • $5 – $10 million
  • $11 – $25 million
  • $26 – $50 million
  • $50+ million


The Eagle Award is for truly outstanding achievement. The NAYDO Council retains the right to not present the award if nominees do not rise to the level of truly outstanding achievement.

Criteria / Judging

Associations must be NAYDO Association Members and demonstrate the following criteria:

  • Leadership is committed, aligned, and personally involved in fundraising.
  • All levels of the organization are involved and held responsible for relationship building.
  • Everyone (across all positions) promotes philanthropy and can articulate the case for giving.
  • An effective communication strategy is in place that both elevates the cause of the Y and communicates the impact that donors' gifts make.
  • Board members' role in financial development is defined during recruitment and confirmed during orientation. The board demonstrates 100% giving and a majority of board members are actively soliciting philanthropic support.
  • The YMCA demonstrates evidence of yearly growth in the annual campaign with member involvement as a primary component.
  • There is a history of successful capital campaign(s) that address critical needs within their community.
  • An endowment program is in place and demonstrates annual growth.
  • The YMCA follows best practices in fundraising, with an emphasis on peer-to-peer fundraising.
  • The YMCA has shared its fundraising excellence and influence with other YMCAs.
  • There is a demonstrated commitment to fundraising and financial accountability standards (i.e. AFP Donor Bill of Rights, Imagine Canada Standards Program, BBB Standards for Charitable Accountability).
  • The YMCA adheres to your country's YMCA Brand Guidelines (required).
  • The YMCA can articulate NAYDO's impact on building a culture of philanthropy at their Y and improving fundraising within their community.

A panel of judges consisting of past Eagle Award winners convenes after the January 8 nomination deadline. All nominees are notified by the Eagle Award Chair of their status prior to the January 29 conference registration deadline.

Questions?  

Contact: Carolyn Grady, Eagle Awards Chair
YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh
 cgrady@ymcapgh.org