Major Missoula YMCA Project Needs Your Help to Finish Line

Missoula Family YMCA leaders say they need one final push from the community to help them complete their goal of raising $20 million for the organization's major expansion and renovation.

While the multi-year campaign is just short of hitting that goal, the call is going out to help make the finish line in order to take advantage of a half-million dollar match by the middle of this month.

And Y leaders say donations will help in completing the effort to "reimagine and renovate" the campus on Russell Street.

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What are the expansion plans at Missoula Family YMCA?

The final $1.5 million will allow the YMCA to finish construction of its community airnasium, which is an outdoor covered court space, youth innovation center, all-abilities playground, and drop-in childcare center. CEO Heather Foster says it's part of a long-held plan of making the "Y" more of a campus to serve all ages, completing the features already being built.

"We're probably 65, 68 percent through with construction and what is left of the front half of the building is getting finished right now," Foster says. "Then we'll move on to some other locker rooms and additional group exercise studio. But the majority of the money will go to the outdoor amenities that we're looking to add."

“The YMCA has been at the heart of our community for decades, and this campaign is about investing in the wellbeing of Missoulians for generations to come."

RELATED: YMCA Expansion Will Offer Great Child Care Options

Donations needed

Foster says more than 1000 people have contributed to the building project. But the "Y" is hoping to find a few more donations of any size right now. That's because any gift made by January 15th will be matched up to $500,000 thanks to a generous matching grant by the Washington Foundation.

Donors will be recognized for their efforts, and naming rights opportunities are available starting at $15,000.

How to Give

Donations are tax deductible,. and can be made online at ymcahereforgood.com, in person at the Missoula Family YMCA’s main office at 3000 S. Russell St., or by contacting Kate Rodriguez, the Y’s Director of Fund Development, at 406-532-6251.