The YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mary Curcio as Vice President of Philanthropy, leading the organization’s fundraising and philanthropic efforts. Curcio is a seasoned YMCA professional passionate about building connections and community.

Most recently, Curcio served as the Associate Vice President of Development at the YMCA of Central New York, overseeing the organization’s annual campaign and major gifts. She previously led a philanthropy consulting firm and served in various positions at the Greater Philadelphia YMCA, most recently serving as the association’s Regional Development Director.

Curcio is a Brookhaven native and currently resides in Glen Mills. She holds a Bachelor of Science in business and human service from Springfield College and holds numerous YMCA certifications in fundraising, leadership, and wellness. Curcio is passionate about health and wellness and aims to help individuals and organizations discover ways to maximize their community impact through donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.

Fulfilling a Promise to Serve All  

The Y is committed to serving all in the community, regardless of financial means. One of Curcio’s top priorities is to expand the YMCA’s philanthropic base and foster connections with individuals, companies, and funding agencies.

This will enable YGBW to widen its impact in the community and deliver on its promise to serve all. The organization’s income-based membership and financial assistance programs are funded entirely by donors. 
 
“I’m motivated by the YMCA’s mission to be welcoming and available to all,” said Curcio. “I got my start as a group exercise instructor teaching classes like BODYCOMBAT, TRX, and Yoga, and it was a great opportunity to witness the impact of our work – from both sides.”

“I had the unique opportunity to meet the members who were positively impacted by our income-based memberships and to engage people who helped to fund them,” she said. “It was then that I developed a passion for philanthropy. Philanthropy is the backbone of a strong community. When I see someone in need, I can help them out, and when I have a need, I am certain that someone will lend me a hand. It’s a beautiful cycle of kindness that I am humbled to be a part of. I am excited to help foster such connections across our county in big and meaningful ways.”

A Leading Non-Profit Organization in Chester County 

In 2023, YGBW awarded more than $2.2 million through its income-based membership and financial assistance programs, a 6 percent increase over the previous year. These programs, which are entirely supported by donations, allow all individuals to engage in quality and affordable programs regardless of their income.

The organization serves more than 12 percent of the county through membership and provides childcare services for upward of 4,500 families annually. That number is projected to grow in 2024, and the need is greater than ever.

“There are large pockets of need across Chester County, and we are working to build relationships and partnerships so that we can collectively tackle pressing issues like health inequity, improving access to affordable childcare, and supporting vulnerable populations so that we can all live with dignity,” said President and CEO Bertram L. Lawson II.

“Mary joins our association at a critical time,” said Lawson. “We recently announced plans to invest $1.4 million dollars in programming in support of chronic disease prevention, local teens, and those with disabilities. We have big plans to serve the underserved. And, we can’t do this important work alone. Mary’s expertise will enable us to expand our impact within this great community.”

Learn more about the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW), an association of nine YMCAs and Program Centers serving Chester County, and how it is a leading non-profit organization committed to building a community that strives to nurture the potential of every child to promote healthy living and foster social responsibility through life-changing programs for all.