From YMCA of Reading & Berks County
The YMCA of Reading & Berks County is pleased to announce the appointment of Duane S. Crouse as its new Director of Development. With more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, community engagement, and organizational leadership, Crouse brings a wealth of knowledge, established community relationships, and a proven record of fundraising success to the YMCA of Reading & Berks County.
Crouse joins the YMCA following an accomplished career in nonprofit leadership, where he has overseen fundraising and operations generating more than $1.1 million annually. His work has focused on strengthening major donor relationships, expanding corporate partnerships, securing significant grants, and growing endowment support to ensure long-term organizational sustainability.
Throughout his career, Crouse has demonstrated an exceptional ability to connect donors with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact. Among his accomplishments are securing a $500,000 endowment supporting a major capital initiative and developing innovative virtual fundraising campaigns that generated $168,000 in contributions.
In previous leadership positions, Crouse directed annual fundraising efforts exceeding $1 million and cultivated successful corporate partnerships with prominent regional businesses and organizations. His extensive experience includes major gifts, annual campaigns, planned giving, grant development, board engagement, and volunteer leadership.
In his new role, Crouse will lead the YMCA’s philanthropic initiatives, focusing on strengthening donor relationships, expanding corporate and foundation partnerships, increasing annual giving, and developing planned giving and endowment opportunities. He will work closely with YMCA leadership, the Board of Directors, volunteers, and community partners to advance the organization’s mission and expand its impact throughout Berks County.
Ken Borkey Jr., President and CEO of the YMCA of Reading & Berks County, shared his enthusiasm for the appointment: “Duane brings exactly the combination of experience, relationships, and passion for community service that we need as we look toward the future of our YMCA. His proven ability to build meaningful partnerships and inspire philanthropic support will be instrumental in strengthening our financial foundation and expanding our impact. We have tremendous opportunities ahead of us, and I am excited to have Duane help lead our development efforts as we reconnect with our community and build a stronger Y for generations to come.”
Crouse holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Maine and has earned the Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, reflecting his commitment to excellence and ethical practices in philanthropy. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has remained actively engaged in Rotary, professional associations, and community volunteer leadership.
His appointment represents an important step in the YMCA’s continued commitment to strengthening its community presence, expanding philanthropic partnerships, and ensuring that individuals and families throughout Berks County have access to life-changing programs and services.
“Live Your Y. Leave Your Legacy.”
Through this vision, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County continues to build a future where generosity, community partnerships, and shared purpose create lasting opportunities for all.
About the YMCA of Reading & Berks County
For 167 years, the YMCA of Reading & Berks County has strengthened our local community by putting Judeo-Christian principles into practice with programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Reading & Berks County operates five branches in Adamstown, Mifflin, Reading, Sinking Spring, and Tri Valley; two Early Learning Centers in Reading and Richmond; and seven transitional housing programs for residential care at the Reading Y and Camp Joy locations.
The Y is a nonprofit committed to strengthening the community and empowering individuals by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y strives to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment, and demonstrate the importance of connections among 2,700 Ys in 10,000 communities across the United States.
