Case Study: Driving the Pocono Family YMCA’s $23 Million Capital Expansion

Client: Pocono Family YMCA
Industry: Non-Profit, Community Development
Website: Pocono Family YMCA

Overview

The Pocono Family YMCA embarked on a transformative $23 million capital project to expand and renovate their facilities and programming. Nicholas Daly Creative Services partnered with the YMCA to provide critical support across grant writing, financial oversight, operations audits, and project management. This case study highlights the comprehensive solutions provided and the success achieved during this ambitious one-year endeavor.

Challenges

The YMCA faced numerous challenges during this project:

  • Navigating complex federal and state grant compliance requirements.

  • Managing a multifaceted $8 million USDA RD loan application packaged with a $1 million grant.

  • Modernizing outdated grants management systems.

  • Coordinating efforts across diverse stakeholders, including architects, engineers, and funding agencies.

  • Delivering professional project management for a highly ambitious timeline.

Solutions Provided

1. Grant Writing Services

Nicholas Daly Creative Services provided expert grant writing, securing essential funding for the project. Key contributions included:

  • Crafting persuasive proposals tailored to federal, state, and private funding opportunities.

  • Collaborating with stakeholders to present compelling narratives aligned with funder priorities.

  • Securing critical grants that directly supported the capital expansion.

2. Grants Management System Modernization

A deep operational audit revealed inefficiencies in the YMCA’s grants management. Nicholas Daly Creative Services implemented a modernized system:

  • Centralized tracking for all grant applications, awards, and compliance requirements.

  • Automation tools to streamline reporting and reduce administrative burden.

  • Training for staff to ensure sustainable and efficient system use.

3. USDA RD Loan and Grant Oversight

The $8 million USDA Rural Development (RD) loan application, packaged with a $1 million grant, was a cornerstone of the project. Nicholas Daly Creative Services:

  • Coordinated all application components, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

  • Acted as the primary liaison with USDA RD officials to address questions and expedite approval.

  • Secured the funds, enabling critical progress on the project timeline.

4. Compliance Management

Overseeing compliance for tens of millions of dollars in federal and Pennsylvania grants required meticulous attention to detail. Our services included:

  • Establishing robust compliance protocols for all funding streams.

  • Preparing and submitting detailed reports to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.

  • Regular audits to identify and address potential risks proactively.

5. Professional Project Management

The project’s scale and complexity demanded high-level coordination among diverse partners. Nicholas Daly Creative Services provided project management services, including:

  • Leading cross-functional teams of architects, engineers, construction managers, and funding officers.

  • Managing timelines, budgets, and deliverables to keep the project on track.

  • Building strong relationships with hospitals, non-profits, and private funders to foster collaboration and alignment.

Results

1. Secured Funding:

  • Successfully managed the $8 million USDA RD loan and $1 million grant.

  • Obtained additional grants and funding to support the $23 million capital project.

2. Streamlined Operations:

  • Reduced administrative hours by 40% through improved grants management systems.

  • Enhanced reporting accuracy and compliance through centralized tools.

3. Project Advancement:

  • Ensured timely progress on construction and programming expansions.

  • Improved collaboration and efficiency across diverse project partners.

4. Long-Term Impact:

  • Positioned the YMCA for sustainable growth with modernized facilities and expanded programming.

  • Strengthened the YMCA’s capacity to serve the Pocono community for years to come.

Testimonial

“Nicholas Daly Creative Services provided invaluable expertise and leadership throughout our capital project. Their comprehensive approach to grant writing, compliance, and project management ensured our success at every stage. We are deeply grateful for their partnership.”
– Executive Director, Pocono Family YMCA

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