Reflecting on NAYDO 2025 & the Power of National Non-Profits
The 2025 North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO) Conference was nothing short of inspiring. As our firm’s headquarters, 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, technologists and Y leaders.
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was hearing our company's CEO, Doug Rasmussen, speak about the true depth of the New Market Tax Credit 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 & Midsouth. The duo recapped the several projects Steadfast City consulting on including the quest to build a new Y facility in Memphis.
On behalf of the YMCA of Memphis & Midsouth, Steadfast City successfully obtained:
$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.
