The Waldo County YMCA in Belfast, Maine engages its board, staff and community members at every level, especially in 2008 when challenged to meet a fundraising goal to expand its pool complex. In a fiscally responsible move, the board had postponed pool construction at the new facility until it could be financed without incurring long-term debt.
Recognizing the Y’s deep commitment to community involvement, the Unity Foundation awarded two, $250,000 grants to fund the “Keeping the Promise” expansion. Both were awarded as challenge grants to entice business leaders to donate services and supplies, and to prompt local residents to make a contribution by purchasing pool tiles – bringing in $1,000,000 to support the project. The addition of the Tom and Sally Savage pool complex, which houses three pools, drew 1200 new members to the YMCA.
Unity Foundation is a founding sponsor of the Y’s annual Triathlon – an event that draws participants of all ages to Belfast from Maine and New England each year.