YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas announces first round of planned impact from recent MacKenzie Scott donation

The gift from Ms. Scott was the largest in the organization’s history

DALLAS, TX (August 20, 2021) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas announced today how the organization will use the first $1.5 million of the largest gift in its history from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott to help the local North Texas community.

“Last December, the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas received a $10 million donation, the largest gift in our 135-year history from Ms. Scott, in recognition of our work throughout the pandemic,” said Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO. “The Dallas Y plans to maximize this gift to make the most impact on families and individuals in North Texas. Since receiving the donation, we established a Board task force that met with staff, members, volunteers and Board members to get their feedback. This gift will help the YMCA live its mission in our local communities and be sustainable for future generations.”

The first $1.5 million of the gift will be used to create a matching fund to boost donations given to the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation was established in 1995 as a separate 501(c)3 organization with a mission of supporting the Dallas Y, its programs and its 16 branches through endowments. The Foundation is the largest annual financial supporter of the YMCA, distributing nearly $1.3 million in the last year to the branches and programs of the Dallas Y. This includes more than $180,000 in college scholarships.

The YMCA will match gifts of more than $12,500 given to the Foundation for this effort with a goal of doubling its investment and having more than $3 million to support programs that directly help and impact North Texas families. Donations can be made to the Foundation by contacting the Foundation President, Charlie Myer, at cmyer@ymcadallas.org. For more information on the foundation and ways to give, now or in the future, visit www.DallasYLegacy.org.

Additional benefits of committing to the matching fund with a $12,500 or more donation will include:

  • Named Endowment Fund (after the donor or of the individual of their choosing)
  • Becoming a member of the Heritage Club which includes invitations to notable events including the Annual Celebration, Key Leaders Luncheon and Heritage Club events
  • Meal with the President/CEO of the YMCA
  • Recognition letter from YMCA and YMCA Foundation Presidents

“The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas Foundation enables the Y to remain flexible and innovative, responding with timely solutions to the evolving needs of children and families in each of the communities served by local YMCA branches,” said Jody Zorn, Chair of the Dallas YMCA Foundation Board of Trustees. “Donations over $12,500 will be matched by the YMCA dollar for dollar in order to maximize the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s generous gift. Our goal is to serve more people in the community through the YMCA’s work in youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.”

Recognized as the third wealthiest woman in the world by Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index, MacKenzie Scott has dedicated her wealth to helping others and accelerated her giving in recent months to “support people suffering the economic effects of the crisis. Ms. Scott donated $6 billion in gifts to nonprofits in 2020, supporting causes including racial equity, global development and public health.

The YMCA will announce in the months ahead how it plans to allocate a total of $2.5 million from the gift in 2021, $6 million in 2022, and the remaining $1.5 million in 2023.

About the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas serves thousands of men, women and children each year, regardless of age, income or background. Anchored in 21 North Texas communities, the Dallas Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y ensures all people have equitable access to the essentials needed to become thriving members of the community. Daily, the Y bridges and fills individual and community needs as a catalyst for impactful change. The YMCA makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower people and communities to learn, grow and thrive, with three areas of focus: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. To learn more or get involved in improving our local communities, have opportunities to make an impact and support your neighbors, please visit us at www.ymcadallas.org.

Submitted press release, edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News. 


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