ELEVATE LIVES. RISE TOGETHER. 

2026-2027 Strategic Plan

Our Vision:

The YMCA of Metro Denver elevates lives and strengthens spirit, mind and body for all—uniting people, purpose, and partnerships so that together we rise.

Our Path:

For 150 years, the YMCA of Metro Denver has been more than a place—it is a movement that lifts spirit, mind and body for all. Our direction is clear: Elevate Lives and Rise Together. Grounded by our mission and strengthened by the global YMCA movement, we will elevate our people, purpose, partnerships and promise.

Our Strategy:

We will realize this vision by focusing on our six core program areas – Early Childhood Education, Aquatics, Youth Sports, Summer Camp, Out of School Time and Community Well-being.

Our Horizon:

Success will be measured not only in numbers, but in lives transformed – children thriving in early learning; families confident around water; youth growing through sports and camp experiences; parents supported with quality out-of-school-time care; and communities strengthened by programs that advance health and well-being.

OUTCOMES

• Data- and community-informed recruitment, onboarding and training.
• Clear, accessible pathways to volunteer and lead.
• A culture of recognition honoring excellence and YMCA values.

OUTCOMES

• One YMCA Story: Spirit. Mind. Body. For all.
• A compelling Case for Support and a network of YMCA and community experts who elevate the Y as a leader in community well-being.
• Inclusive, bilingual storytelling that builds trust and connection

OUTCOMES

• A financial plan built on sustainable revenues, resources and reserves.
• A 5-year operating plan built on core capabilities and aligned with community needs.
• A strategic assessment of our YMCA's assets and a 10-year investment plan.

OUR WHY: 

	Early Learning Education because...1 in 3 families lack affordable childcare. (1)
	Aquatics because...drowning is a leading cause of death for children under 5. (2)
	Youth Sports because...76% of U.S. kids aged 6–17 get fewer than 60 minutes of daily physical activity. (3)
	Summer Camp because...1 in 5 kids ages 3-17 have a mental health disorder. (4)
	Out of School Time because...nearly 70% of families have both parents working full-time to manage the rising costs of living. (5)
	Community Well-being because...the mortality rate of being socially disconnected is similar to the impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day. (6)

Read more about our key focus areas in our Case for Support.

GET INVOLVED

• Current & Future Partners: Join us in elevating lives through collaboration.
• Current & Future Supporters: Invest in programs that change lives.
• Current & Future Volunteers: Share your time and talents to elevate lives

YMCA OF METRO DENVER denverymca.org * missionadvancement@denverymca.org

The YMCA of Metro Denver stands alongside YMCAs across 120 countries in building stronger, healthier and more connected communities.

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs the build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

See full YMCA leadership team at denverymca.org/leadership

Sources: (1) National Public Radio, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Poll, (2) Centers for Disease Control, (3) Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment & Colorado State University College of Health and Human Services, (4) Centers for Disease Control (CDC), (5) U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“Among married-couple families with children, ... in 67.0 percent of these families both parents were employed.”), (6) U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community.