Ballmer Group Youth Programs Funding

Ballmer Group Youth Programs Funding

Funder: Ballmer Group (Seattle-based philanthropic organization)

Status: Active three-year partnership (2025-2028)

Award Amount: $466,000 annually for the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties ($1,398,000 total over three years); part of a statewide $20 million initiative across all Washington YMCAs

Geographic Scope: Pierce and Kitsap Counties, Washington; statewide initiative across Washington

Focus Areas:

Programs for low-income and underserved youth aged 5-17

Personal and academic growth

Character-building programs

Mentorship and educational support

Safe, nurturing environments fostering social-emotional development

Eligibility:

Low-income youth aged 5-17

Underserved populations

Youth in urban and rural communities

Program Goals:

Expand access to vital youth programs

Provide mentorship and character-building opportunities

Foster personal growth, academic success, and social-emotional development

Create resilient, strong communities

Contact Information:

Randy Heath, Washington State Alliance of YMCAs: randyheath@seattleymca.org

Ballmer Group: www.ballmergroup.org

About Ballmer Group:
Committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States. Focus areas include early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice. Works to undo systemic racism and its barriers. Has presence and invests deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Co-founded by Connie Ballmer and Steve Ballmer (former Microsoft CEO, founder of USAFacts, chairman of LA Clippers).

About the Partnership:
Part of a statewide initiative between Ballmer Group and the Washington State Alliance of YMCAs (14 independent 501(c)(3) YMCA associations with 51 branches and 146+ years combined tenure).