YMCA of Greenville has launched a $1.8 million fundraising campaign for its 150th year.
The nonprofit organization was founded in 1876 in downtown Greenville. Today, it operates 10 locations and serves approximately 90,000 children and adults across Greenville County.
Funding raised during the campaign will help financially support those who otherwise could not afford the YMCA’s memberships and programs. Sam Franklin, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greenville, said the organization served more than 3,100 people through its financial assistance program in 2025.
Fundraising efforts kicked off with a Day of Giving on March 2. The nonprofit’s goal was to raise $300,000 during the one-day event. Each YMCA location across Greenville County participated in the Day of Giving, working toward specific fundraising targets.
“The Day of Giving is a very important day for us,” Franklin said. “It gives us the opportunity to showcase all the things that we do through our program and tell our members really what our mission is about, that anyone who wants to come to our YMCA can, regardless of their ability to pay.”
The annual campaign also supports various YMCA programs, including after-school day care, swim lessons, adult wellness programs, youth sports, RECESS for adults with diverse abilities and more.
“The needs in our community don’t take a break, and neither do we,” said MaryEllis Petrosian, chief development officer for YMCA of Greenville. “Our 150th year reminds us that for a century and a half, this community has counted on the Y to be there.”
YMCA of Greenville plans to celebrate its 150th anniversary in April. For more information on the organization’s annual campaign, visit ymcagreenville.org/give.
