YMCA of DeKalb County receives preliminary approval for matching grant of up to $1.5M to expand the YMCA Early Learning building, which will nearly double the capacity of the programs.
Auburn – YMCA of DeKalb County and United Way of DeKalb County are excited to announce that YMCA of DeKalb County has received preliminary approval for a matching grant of up to $1,500,000.00 from the Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Initiative. The final approval and grant amount will be based on how much YMCA of DeKalb County is able to raise from members of the community. So far, YMCA of DeKalb County has raised $750,000 to purchase the neighboring property, and they are hoping to raise an additional $1,500,000 by November 1st to secure this United Way match and break ground by year end. Once all funds are in place, YMCA of DeKalb County will add on to their existing building, located at 2858 County Road 36A. Once complete, they will serve an additional 44 children 0-3 years old and 135 additional students in Before and Afterschool programs. The YMCA of DeKalb County invites all members of the community to contribute to the Childcare Expansion project to serve an additional 180 children with high quality Early Learning and Childcare services.
Consideration for this matching grant was made possible due to United Way of DeKalb County’s membership in Indiana United Ways, the state membership association for local United Ways serving Indiana counties.
“We recommended this project to the Indiana United Ways Statewide Capital Projects Committee because it addresses a critical need for increased access to affordable, high-quality childcare and youth development opportunities in DeKalb County,” said Tyler Cleverly, Executive Director, United Way of DeKalb County. “The YMCA of DeKalb County has been a valued partner in advancing our mission by helping ensure every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. This project aligns with our impact areas of building a healthy community, expanding youth opportunities, and fostering community resiliency—while continuing our history of working together to create lasting change for local families”.
“This grant from Indiana United Ways, once approved and finalized, enables YMCA of DeKalb County to move forward with critical facility enhancements that will expand capacity for affordable childcare. Together, we are opening doors to brighter futures for the children and families in DeKalb County,” added Cleverly.
“This incredible matching gift will help make this dream a reality for our community and allow us to start to address the childcare crisis that exists in DeKalb County,” said Bob Krafft, CEO of the YMCA. “Beyond the
additional space, some remodeling in the current Early Learning building will create two therapy spaces for children to receive developmental services while at school and expanded kitchen facilities will allow us to feed the additional children. Having provided childcare for nearly 50 years in DeKalb County and the YMCA nationally being the largest provider of childcare in the country, we are thrilled to be able to help meet this critical need for parents. After this expansion we will be able to serve over 400 children daily with quality care that comes with all the amenities of a YMCA facility.”
Because this project is part of an overall expansion plan on the YMCA’s 58-acre campus, the YMCA of DeKalb County has launched a local campaign to raise $14 million in the next six months. “We are grateful to the Matt and Cindy Fetter Foundation and The James Foundation, for getting our campaign jumpstarted with gifts that allowed us to complete Step 1, the recent addition and remodel at the main YMCA facility. Their gift is also being used to purchase the land and building adjacent to our current Early Learning Center to make way for this expansion,” said Krafft of the YMCA. “We are now looking for community partners to help us raise the $1.5 million to match this grant and make Step 2, the Childcare Expansion a reality.”
Mr. Fetter stated, “We want to challenge members of our community including individuals, employers, and non-profits to solve the essential need of providing quality early learning for working families. Indiana ranks last in the US for availability of childcare which costs the state economy $4 billion per year. While other childcare facilities in the county have closed due to the financial challenges facing childcare providers including the reduction of vouchers, availability of staff, regulation and rising costs, the YMCA has developed a long-term, sustainable business model that standalone facilities can’t replicate. The board and staff remain committed to providing the quality early learning that parents so desperately need to keep their jobs and help their children thrive,” said Fetter. “Your support will allow us to serve over 400 children daily with quality care that includes all the great amenities of the YMCA of DeKalb County’s extensive facilities and our 58-acre campus.”
Community members can make a gift toward the Childcare Expansion project doubling your impact with this generous matching campaign by going online to www.ymcadekalb.org and clicking “Support your YMCA” or by sending a check to YMCA of DeKalb County at 533 North Street with a memo indicating Childcare Expansion. Please contact Bob Krafft at 260-573-9133 or b.krafft@ymcadekalb.org for other giving options.
About YMCA of DeKalb County
Serving DeKalb County since 1912 the local YMCA has grown to be a community hub for building a strong Spirit, Mind and Body for all. Through various youth programs, adult wellness, aquatics and senior programs the YMCA creates a sense of belonging and community for over 10,500 members with over 550,000 visits to the campus annually. 65 free community outreach events provide food and fun for local towns and communities across the county. For more information about YMCA of DeKalb County, visit www.ymcadekalb.org or call 260-925-9622.
About United Way of DeKalb County
In existence since 1960, United Way of DeKalb County is a nonprofit organization serving DeKalb County. United Way of DeKalb County works to create lasting local change by bringing people and resources together to build a healthier community, expand opportunities for youth, strengthen financial security, and foster a resilient, connected DeKalb County. At United Way of DeKalb County, our work is grounded in these core values: Community Impact, Compassion, Integrity, and Collaboration. Together, we’re building a thriving DeKalb County where every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential, supported by a united community working together to create lasting change.
For more information, please visit www.unitedwaydekalb.org or call 260-927-0995. Follow United Way of DeKalb County on Facebook, Instagram, X (previously known as Twitter), or LinkedIn.
About Indiana United Ways
Indiana United Ways (IUW) is the state membership association for local United Ways serving Indiana counties. It provides a wide range of advocacy, training, technical assistance, networking, and grant opportunities to ensure that local United Ways meet their community’s most pressing needs. Between 2024 and 2028, the Statewide Capital Projects Initiative at IUW will award $80 million in matching grants to select nonprofit organizations. Only nonprofits that directly provide essential health and human services may be eligible to apply. All applications must be submitted in collaboration with the local IUW member United Way serving the county in which a project is located. To learn more about the Statewide Capital Projects Initiative, go to iuw.org/capitalprojects. ###