2026 Annual Campaign

Every gift opens a door.

100% of Annual Campaign funds support scholarships — for a kid at summer camp, a senior in aquatics, a working family at after-school care. The Y has never turned a neighbor away in 170 years. Help us keep that streak going.

Give Now Read the Story
Why we ask

Last year we awarded $487,000 in scholarships.

Across our four branches, 1,200+ kids and adults received financial assistance for membership, programs, summer camp, and childcare. None of that money came from membership dues or program fees — YCVA membership rates only cover the cost of running the buildings. Every dollar of scholarship support comes from the Annual Campaign.

That's why we ask. The Annual Campaign is what allows us to say "yes" to every neighbor who walks in needing help — the working family whose hours got cut, the senior whose pension didn't keep up, the teenager whose family wants them in summer camp but can't make the math work.

"I came to the Y for the pool. I stayed because they covered my granddaughter's camp the summer my daughter lost her job."

If you're a member, you've probably seen the Annual Campaign banner at the front desk. If you're not a member yet, you're still part of this community — and the Y is asking you to be part of how the next 170 years go for the next generation of Lynchburg kids.

Your gift is fully tax-deductible. The YCVA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN 54-0506312). 100% of donations go to scholarships and program access — we run the campaign with volunteer time and member-donated overhead.

Pick a path

Four ways to give.

Whatever fits where you are right now.

Option 01 · Most popular

One-time gift

The simplest path. Give once, in any amount, online or by mail. Your gift is tax-deductible and applied to the current campaign year. Any amount, any time.

Give now
Option 02

Monthly giving

Recurring monthly donations are the steady fuel of the campaign — predictable for the budget, low-friction for you. Set it once, change anytime. Most monthly donors give $25–$100 per month.

Become a monthly donor
Option 03

Sponsor a child

$540 covers full summer camp for one child. $720 covers a year of after-school care. $1,200 covers a year of full-Y youth membership plus swim lessons. Pick a tier — we send a profile of the child you sponsored at year-end.

Sponsor now
Option 04

Planned giving

Include the YCVA in your estate planning. Bequests, charitable trusts, IRA rollovers, appreciated securities. Talk to our development director for a confidential conversation — no obligation.

Plan a legacy gift
Recognition

The 1855 Society

Cumulative-giving recognition for donors whose support to the Annual Campaign has totaled the levels below. Named after our founding year — 170 years of generosity.

Founders' Circle

$10,000+

Plaque in the Old Forest Rd lobby and invitation to the founders' annual breakfast each spring.

Champions

$5,000–$9,999

Listed in the printed Annual Report and recognized at the campaign close-out reception each fall.

Sustainers

$1,000–$4,999

Listed in the Annual Report and on the donor wall in the Downtown branch member lounge.

Friends

Up to $999

Listed in the Annual Report by giving year. Includes monthly donors at any cumulative level.

Where it goes

2024 campaign impact.

$487K
in scholarships awarded
2024 fiscal year
1,200+
individuals supported
members + program participants
100%
of requests funded
2024 financial assistance
$0
overhead from donations
covered by member overhead

If everyone who walked into a Y this year contributed $50 to the Annual Campaign, we'd have triple the scholarship budget we need. That's the whole math — the Y is a community organization, and we ask the community for help.

Or just call

Questions about giving? We'll talk.

Our development director answers her own phone. If you have something specific you want to ask — about a planned gift, a sponsorship match, or just a one-time donation — the fastest path is the phone.

(434) 582-1900 ext. 4