Ballmer Group Awards Washington’s YMCAs Funding for Youth Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: 

Randy Heath  

Washington State Alliance of YMCAs  

[email protected] 

YMCAs positioned to increase access to vital programs for underserved youth  

[MOUNT VERNON, WASHINGTON / January 16, 2025] – The Skagit Valley Family YMCA has secured a generous contribution for the next three years from the Seattle-based Ballmer Group. This funding, part of a statewide initiative, will empower YMCAs across Washington to significantly expand programs for low-income youth aged 5-17, enhancing opportunities for personal and academic growth.

“I am grateful to the Ballmer Group for their investment in Washington’s underserved youth,” said Skagit Y CEO Dean Snider. “I am proud of my Washington Y Alliance colleagues for their collaborative effort to make this investment possible and look forward to putting these funds towards growing program opportunities for Skagit youth.”

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 Y 

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA believes a strong community can be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Our programs, services, and initiatives enable youth to realize their potential; offer families ways to have fun together; empower people to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit; welcome and embrace newcomers; and help foster social responsibility. Beyond our gym and aquatics center, the Skagit Y also provides quality early childhood education, afterschool programs and camps, and support for teens including housing, meals, drop-in activities and outreach programs. 

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.