Reflecting on NAYDO 2025 & the Power of National Non-Profits

Written By Brianna Tobias
three images on a transparent background featuring a nonprofit volunteer, a YMCA building and a girl scouts honor salute
 

The 2025 North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) Conference was inspiring and impactful for attendees and for our home town! St. Louis provided the perfect setting for YMCA leaders from across the globe to come together, share ideas, and strengthen bonds that will drive lasting impact in communities worldwide. The conversations, keynotes, and connections made during the three-day event, led to generative ideation and aligned visions between consultants, data analysts, equipment & software providers, and Y leaders.

One of the most memorable moments of the conference was hearing Steadfast City’s CEO, Doug Rasmussen, speak about the true depth of the New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) incentive. It’s more than a funding tool ; it’s relationship builder and driver and that fuels long-term change. The session, “Leveraging NMTCs into Deeper Partnerships,” was co-facilitated by Terry Grigsby, the CFO of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. The duo recapped the several projects Steadfast City consulted on, including the quest to build a new Y facility in Memphis.

Since the beginning of our partnership, Steadfast City has assisted the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South in obtaining:

  • $11MM NMTC allocation in 2020 for facility construction

  • $5MM NMTC allocation in 2024 for a pool build-out

  • $1.5MM Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities grant in 2024

These funds and projects ensured that the Y could provide safe, clean third spaces for area students and created a neutral and central location for public-private partnerships in Memphis and Whitehaven.

This theme of meaningful relationship building resonates for all national non-profits that Steadfast city engages with. YMCAs, Girl Scouts, Boys & Girls Clubs, Urban Leagues drive global impact and are excellent partners to Steadfast City as their needs span the totality of our multidisciplinary team. With expertise in both qualitative and quantitative analysis, our team equips organizations with a holistic view of their impact and growth potential. Our unique blend of creativity and practicality brings various stakeholders to the table early on, ensuring we create plans that work within local rules and market realities while remaining true to the history and needs of the residents and employers. See a starting list of our services below and click here to get connected to our team and learn more.

  • Funding Strategy & Development

  • New Markets Tax Credits

  • Community & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Real Estate Investment Strategy

  • Grant Research and Writing

  • Grant and Program Compliance

  • Workforce & Childcare Analytics

We ended the last full day of conference activities with our own happy hour at 360 Rooftop Bar with Y friends from Memphis, Atlanta and Illinois and partners including, Greater Than Analytics, Gro-Dev, and American City Bureau. As we reflect on NAYDO 2025, the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and mission-driven focus remains strong.

 
Brianna Tobias
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