April 28, 2026
Pay It Forward
Pay It Forward is a simple, giving moment designed to inspire generosity by highlighting the idea of helping others because you can.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Social Media Graphics
Social Media graphics for download:
Use these hashtags in posts:
#YDayOfGiving #ForABetterUs
Important information about FACEBOOK!
The webpage does not promote or allow visibility to posts that include a Givebutter.com link, nor any fundraising platforms outside of their own. Please consider using one of the links below. On each of these pages the giving form is imbedded, where donors can select you as their fundraiser.
South Mountain: https://metroymcas.org/ascsmy
East Orange: https://metroymcas.org/asceoy
Greater Bergen – New Milford: https://metroymcas.org/ascnmy
Camp Michikamau: https://campmichikamau.org/mich-day-of-giving
Sussex County: https://metroymcas.org/ascscy
West Essex: https://metroymcas.org/ascwey
Fairview Lake: https://fairviewlakeymca.org/dayofgiving
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Sample Social Media Posts
Use these hashtags in posts:
#YDayOfGiving
#ForABetterUsShare your personal story about the Y, why you support the Y, and why others should care.
This helps create context to your social post.Sample posts:
- How many children will you help stay safe after school today? Donate to the YMCA on this #YDayofGiving: [insert donation page link]
- Every child deserves an active summer full of caring role models, but not every family can afford to send their children to camp. Help send a kid to camp! Donate today: [insert donation page link]
- Will you help save lives and give kids in your community the skills and confidence they need to be safe around water? Donate to the YMCA at [insert donation page link]
- Will you help a future leader develop the skills and passion he/she needs to make our world a better place? Donate to the YMCA at [insert donation page link]
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Will you help a family in our community become and stay active and healthy by
donating today? Visit [insert donation page link]
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Did you know you can double your donation today? It’s easy! See if your company will match your donation: [insert donation page link
- How many children will you help stay safe after school today? Donate to the YMCA on this #YDayofGiving: [insert donation page link]
PHONE-A-THON
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Helpful Tips
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Smile while you dial!
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Open with THANK YOU, close with THANK YOU
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Confirm an amount, timeframe, and method of payment
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Conversations should be engaging, ask questions and demonstrate active listening by acknowledging their comments; it often helps to repeat their thoughts back to them.
- Example: “I agree children today should spend more time away from screens.
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Prepare to Take Payment Prior to Calling
Credit card payment
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Have your Givebutter page open to immediately enter a new gift with their credit card information.
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Email a link to your Givebutter page immediately following the call
Text to Give
“Text (branch acronym) to 53-555!”
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METROY
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GBY
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EOY
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FVL
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WEY
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SMY
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SCY
Since we are part of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, you will receive the following message that directs you to YOUR BRANCHES giving page: ‘Support Metropolitan YMCA of the Orange by visiting this secure link: _____
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Sample Voicemail
Speak slowly and clearly.
Leave a short voicemail with everyone that does not pick up the phone!
“Hi, this is ___ with the ___ YMCA. I’m calling because today is our National Day of Giving at the Y. I would like to invite you to join me and many others in our community in support of the YMCA by making an annual gift. To learn more about how you can help www.metroymcas.org/give or text ___ to 53-555. Thank you for your time and support! Have a good day.”
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Sample Scripting
Introduction
Welcome and greet with positive attitude
“Hello, my name is ____ and I’m on the calling with a group of staff and volunteers at the YMCA. Is this (donor’s name)?”
First Question
“I’m calling because today is the YMCA’s National Day of Giving, where we share the impact of our fundraising efforts and invite everyone to join us in strengthening our community.”
If you do not know the person you’re speaking with, ask the following:
Before I get into Day of Giving, I’m really interested in hearing YOUR Y story. Do you mind telling me a bit about your experiences with the Y?”
If you know the person you are calling, ask how they are doing, ask how their family is doing, and ask any open-ended question to reflect your relationship.
If the answer is NO
“Is there a better time to give you a call? Can I email you some information instead?”
Reiterate Why You Are Calling
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Day of Giving
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Thank you so much for sharing your story! As I mentioned, today is an exciting day at the Y. Many of our neighbors rely on us for financial assistance so they can take advantage of the same great services you do.
Impact
Speak to the Y’s mission and vision (pick one)
“Did you know the ____ YMCA provided over $____ in direct financial aid to our community last year?”
Share the impact statistics that are important to you! (See reference material from Ambassador Toolkit)
___ of the families in our Early Childhood Learning Center depend on us for financial support
___ children that go to camp rely on the Y for financial aid to have an amazing summer experience
___ swimmers depend on financial aid in order to gain life-saving skills in the water
___ of our members require some kind of financial assistance in order to live healthier lives
The Need/The Problem (pick one)
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Financial aid applications continue to increase with more scholarship applications than ever before, so your gift is really important.
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Families rely on before and after-care services to maintain employment.
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We want ALL children to have the same amazing experience, regardless of their ability to pay.
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Our youth need physical activity and socialization.
The Solution
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I give back to the Y because… share your story here.
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“We count on the generosity of our members and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life be healthy, confident, connected, and secure.”
The Ask/Join Me in Giving
“Today we are trying to raise ____ amount of money. Will you consider joining me with a gift of $120 or just $10/month so we can continue providing essential services to more of our neighbors in need?
Closing / THANK YOU
AGREE TO GIVE!
“Thank you so much!!”
“Would you prefer to fulfill your gift now over the phone via credit card, or have a giving link sent via text or email?”Credit card payment
Have your Givebutter page open to immediately enter a new gift with their credit card information.OR email a link to your Givebutter page immediately following the call
Text to Give
“Text (branch acronym) to 53-555!”
“Since we are part of the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges, you will receive the following message that direct you to YOUR BRANCHES giving page, but the message will read:
Support Metropolitan YMCA of the Orange by visiting this secure link”UNSURE/CANNOT GIVE AT THIS TIME
“That is no problem! Thank you for listening to me today and for your consideration. Can I email or text you a link to our webpage
to learn more?”DECLINE TO SUPPORT
“Thank you for speaking with me today and for your consideration.”
ALWAYS THANK!
“I appreciate your time and consideration! Please reach out to me any time.”
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Response to Common Objections
Donor:
“Are you calling to ask me for money?”
Response:“I was hoping to thank you for your past support, share with you the impact it has had on our community, and discuss our vision for the coming year. I know your time is valuable, do you mind if I just share a few items that
are really meaningful to me for another minute or two?”Donor:
“I know about the annual campaign, you ask me to give every year.”
Response:
“Being able to thank you for your past support was a big reason I wanted to talk. It’s our goal to thank all of our donors. Many people are not
aware of the impact their giving has on our community, I know your time is valuable, do you mind if I just share a few items that are really meaningful to me for another minute or two?”Donor:
“How does $150 send a kid to camp? Does camp cost a lot more than
that?”Response:
“Camp can be a big cost for a family. Our scholarships vary and are based on the family’s personal circumstances. Some pay little to nothing, others receive financial support elsewhere, and we cover the difference, while some only need a portion covered to make camp affordable. Our average award comes out to $150, which can make the difference in having a life-changing summer at the Y. Your gift of $15 a month can cover that cost for a family in need. How would you feel about providing that support this year?
EMAIL SAMPLES
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Email Ask - Branches
Dear ______,
Today is the YMCA’s National Day of Giving, and there has never been a more important moment to show up for our neighbors.
Because you are part of the Y family, you understand that the YMCA is more than a gym. It is childcare for working parents. A safe place for teens after school. A lifeline for seniors. A community for those navigating illness, isolation, or financial hardship.
Right now, requests for financial assistance are rising. Families in our community are making impossible choices between childcare and rent, between enrichment for their children and basic necessities. Today, we have the opportunity to respond—together.
Will you become a Day of Giving Champion?
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Your gift—creates reliable, year-round impact:
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Provides one month of safe, nurturing infant childcare
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Hosts a chronic disease prevention program for adults working toward better health
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Sends a child to camp for a life-changing week this summer
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Funds hands-on STEAM activities that spark curiosity and confidence
If the Y has ever made a difference in your life or if you believe every child and family deserves that opportunity, please make your gift today.
www.givebutter.com/_____
On this Day of Giving, your generosity will ripple far beyond today. It will create safety, stability, and opportunity all year long. Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can ensure everyone has a place to belong.
With gratitude,
[your name]
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Email Ask - Sleepaway Camps
Dear ______,
Today is the YMCA’s National Day of Giving, and there has never been a more important
moment to help children experience the transformational power of sleepaway camp at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps [YMCA Camp Michikamau].Because you are part of the Y family, you know that Fairview Lake is so much more than a camp. It is often the place where a child discovers confidence for the first time. Where friendships become lifelong anchors. Where caring counselors help young people take healthy risks, try new things, and feel that deep sense of belonging, achievement and relationship that defines the Y
experience.Right now, requests for financial assistance are rising. Families in our community are facing
difficult choices about summer childcare, enrichment, and safe opportunities for their children.Today, we have the opportunity to respond together and make sure no child is turned away from camp due to cost.
Will you become a Day of Giving Champion for Fairview Lake [YMCA Camp Michikamau]?
Your gift helps create life-changing moments like these:
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A week of overnight camp that builds independence and confidence
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Outdoor adventures where children discover their strengths
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Supportive cabin communities that help campers feel truly accepted
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Hands-on activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and joy
If Fairview Lake [YMCA Camp Michikamau] has ever made a difference in your life or your
family’s story — or if you believe every child deserves the chance to grow, explore, and belong — please make your Day of Giving gift today. https://fairviewlakeymca.org/dayofgivingYour generosity today will ripple far beyond campfires and canoe trips. It will create safety,
stability, and opportunity for children all year long — the kind of opportunity that stays with
them for the rest of their lives.Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can ensure every child has a place to belong at Fairview Lake. [YMCA Camp Michikamau].
With gratitude,
[your name] -
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Agreed to Give
Dear _____,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me tonight and for partnering with the YMCA! 100% of your gift of $___ is directed toward our financial assistance programs that will make an immediate impact in the lives of our neighbors, and is entirely tax deductible.
Please feel free to reach out to me any time, and thank you again for being a part of the Y family. The link below will take you to our secure online giving page. Please consider celebrating your support with others on social media.
www.givebutter.com/_____
Kind regards,
Fund Raiser
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Thank You - Made a Credit Card Gift
Dear _____,
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me tonight and for supporting the YMCA and your community!
If there’s ever anything you need, please feel free to reach out to me, and thank you again for being a part of the Y family.
Kind regards,
Fund Raiser

