Your YMCA is already making a difference. Now it's time to spark that mission further and multiply its impact. At NAYDO Academy 2026, you'll connect with fundraising experts and regional leaders who will show you that transformational philanthropy is possible, and it's already happening across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Join us to learn proven strategies, share real-world experiences, and build the alliances that will take your YMCA's fundraising to the next level.
What is NAYDO Academy?
NAYDO Academy is an intensive training and inspiration event designed for YMCA leaders and fundraising professionals across Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the theme Spark your Mission, Amplify the Impact, this year's edition brings together expert voices from NAYDO and regional practitioners who have already proven that impactful fundraising is possible in our context. Created by NAYDO (North American YMCA Development Organization), a professional development organization dedicated to helping grow the YMCA.
This experience is for you if:
You lead or support
fundraising efforts at your YMCA and want to take them to the next level.
You believe
your YMCA's mission deserves more resources, and you're ready to find them.
You want to learn
from leaders who have already built successful fundraising models in Latin America and the Caribbean.
You are looking for allies,
tools, and inspiration to multiply the impact of your YMCA's work.
The experience:
Experts from the NAYDO Conference
sharing their learnings and knowledge
Interactive working groups
to reflect on and conclude about the workshops
Practical tools
and next steps to apply at your YMCA
Inspiration
from Latin American and the Caribbean YMCAs' fundraising experiences
Access to
the session recordings for 6 months
Gain a certificate
Speakers
Paula Rincón
Líder del área de Desarrollo Institucional e Innovación Social
YMCA Bogotá
Jimena Bello
National Director of Social Programs
YMCA Mexico
Ramona Smart
General Secretary
YMCA of Barbados
Jeff Merhige
President and CEO
YMCA of Pawtucket
María Liliana Mor
International Expert in Resource Mobilization and Private Sector Partnerships
Jorge Perez
President & CEO
YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
Stephanie Hoyle
Director of Communications and Marketing
Laboratoria
Alison Hansen
Senior Consultant
DBD Group
Lindsay Casavant
Senior Consultant
DBD Group
Tania San Nicolás
Institutional Strengthening Strategist
Funding and Calls for Proposals
Schedule
Prerecorded session: Grants 101
Time / Day
Bogotá / Lima (GMT-5)
Day 1 - August 24
Day 2 - August 25
Day 3 - August 26
Day 4 - August 27
Theme
Philanthropy and Fundraising
Marketing and Communications
Alianzas y
Recursos Estratégicos
BONUS: Camp Fundraising
08:45 - 09:00
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome
09:00 - 10:00
From Good to Game-Changing: Crafting a Transformational Case
The Power of Positioning Campaigns
Strategic AI Integration: Transforming Community Impact Through Technology
Cultivating Camp Relationships and Donors
10:00 - 10:30
Break
Break
Break
Break
10:30 - 11:30
Sustainability 360°: How to Structure Your Organization to Win International Funding
How to Build a Growth Marketing System for Fundraising
Beyond Grants: How to Connect with Corporate Donors
3x3 Session: Peer Reflection
11:30-12:00
Break
Break
Break
Break
12:00- 13:00
Regional Case
Regional Case
Regional Case
All sessions run on Bogotá / Lima time (GMT-5). To check what that means for your time zone, visit: https://www.timeanddate.com/
Fee
100 dollars per participant
Fees for NAYDO Academy 3rd edition, 2026:
Personal
registration:
40 dollars
Group registration
up to 7 people:
35 dollars
Group registration
up to 15 people:
30 dollars
With your contribution, you are supporting people from Latin America and the Caribbean to participate in the in-person NAYDO conference and to create more content in other languages, such as Spanish and Portuguese.
Registration deadline: August 20
We have 10 scholarships available
Last year's experiences
What our participants say about the experience!
Participating in NAYDO Academy was an incredibly enriching experience. Even though the program was fully virtual, it felt close, welcoming, and built on genuine trust — creating the perfect environment to learn and gain practical tools that truly make a difference.
One of the things I valued most was the opportunity to learn from professionals with proven experience in philanthropy within the YMCA movement. They didn’t just share ideas; they shared real results, lessons learned, and strategies that are actively working today, providing clear guidance on how to strengthen our work and increase our impact.
I also found it especially meaningful how the program connects digital tools and social media with philanthropy. Being able to combine areas I’m passionate about — like digital communication and social impact — helped me discover new ways to contribute using my own strengths and skills.
Without a doubt, NAYDO Academy transformed my perspective on philanthropy and expanded my vision of the many ways we can create impact. I would recommend this experience to anyone looking to refresh their ideas, strengthen their strategies, and continue growing within the YMCA movement.
What I love most about NAYDO Academy is its ability to build community. Even as a virtual space, it creates genuine connections and a warm environment that makes the learning experience even more meaningful.
Did you know?
The Regional Node is a permanent member of the NAYDO Council, which allows it to influence the network. The Council grants all Alliance members access to monthly virtual training, discounts on registration for in-person conferences, eligibility for grants, and other exclusive benefits available only to members.
(Please note, in the Association section, select the “international” option)
Let's develop together an inspiring roadmap to enhance your fundraising and philanthropic strategies!
Note: Remember that these services are part of your YMCA membership.