Ballmer Group Awards Washington’s YMCAs Funding for Youth Programs
Last updated: January 17, 2025, at 2:43 p.m. PT
Originally published: January 17, 2025, at 10:14 a.m. PT
YMCAs positioned to increase access to vital programs for underserved youth
[SEATTLE, JANUARY 26] – The YMCA of Greater Seattle has been awarded a generous three-year grant from the Seattle-based Ballmer Group. This funding, part of a statewide initiative, will empower YMCAs across Washington to expand programs for low-income youth aged 5-17, enhancing opportunities for personal and academic growth.
"We are deeply grateful to the Ballmer Group for their generous investment,” said Loria Yeadon, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Seattle. “This investment will expand our youth programs, particularly for low-income youth, and strengthen our data collection efforts to enhance youth programming. Together, we are creating opportunities for those who need us most, fostering a sense of connection and belonging, and building a stronger, more inclusive community. We appreciate this vote of confidence from the Ballmer Group and invite others to join us in expanding our services to youth and families who need us most."
The collective goal of the Washington YMCAs is to create safe, nurturing environments where young people can thrive. Across the state, in urban and rural communities alike, YMCAs offer diverse and inclusive programs designed to foster personal growth, academic success, and social-emotional development.
“The Washington State Alliance of YMCAs is thankful for Ballmer Group’s shared commitment to ensuring that underserved youth across the state be provided opportunities to succeed,” said Karen Hedine, Washington State Alliance of YMCAs Chair, and CEO of the Walla Walla YMCA. “This vital funding is an investment in the resilience and potential of the next generation, helping today’s young people explore their options as shapers and stakeholders of tomorrow’s strong communities.”
This substantial three-year, $20 million partnership between Ballmer Group and the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs demonstrates the impact of strategic collaboration in addressing complex social issues. By providing mentorship, educational support, and character-building programs, YMCAs across the state are committed to creating lasting, positive changes for Washington’s youth and shaping the future of strong, resilient communities.
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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 200,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 13 branches, three overnight camp properties, and more than 200 program sites throughout King, south Snohomish, and Lewis counties. The Y nurtures more than 97,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts and give back to our community and engages thousands of volunteers who contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit seattleymca.org.
About Ballmer Group
Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States, funding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity and reduce systemic inequities. We focus on multiple impact areas and systems that can impact economic mobility - such as early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice - and we support leaders and organizations that focus on undoing systemic racism and the barriers it has created. Ballmer Group is both a national and regional funder – we have a presence and invest deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more at www.ballmergroup.org.
About the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs
The Washington State Alliance of YMCAs leverages the collective strength of 14 independent 501c3 nonprofit YMCA associations with 51 branches for a combined tenure of over 146 years, to ensure relevant impact throughout the state.