The COVID-19 pandemic cost the YMCA of Central Florida over half its $70 million annual revenue and the loss of nearly 94,000 members, its CEO reports — a blow that led the nonprofit to permanently shutter two of its Ys and lay off more than half its staff.
Despite that, Kevin Bolding, hired last fall to lead the six-county organization, said he’s optimistic about the Y’s capacity to recover and reposition itself. While many nonprofits have been tight-lipped about their pandemic financial woes for fear of scaring off potential donors, Bolding said he hopes a new era of transparency will give both members and donors a better understanding of all the Y does and inspire them to help.