Cortland YMCA Receives Anonymous Grant to Expand Childcare & Youth Programming

Funding will support scholarships for before- and after-school care, summer day camp, and School's Out full-day programs.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 1:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Cortland County YMCA has received an anonymous grant aimed at expanding access to childcare and youth programming for local families. According to the organization, the funding will directly support scholarships for before- and after-school care, summer day camp, and School's Out full-day programs, helping to reduce financial barriers for families seeking reliable childcare options.

Why it matters

Affordable childcare is a critical workforce issue, as reliable, high-quality care allows parents to participate fully in the workforce, strengthen household stability, and contribute to the local economy. The Cortland area is known as a 'childcare desert,' making this grant funding particularly impactful for the community.

The details

The grant will support the YMCA's Membership for All program, which provides financial assistance to families for services such as licensed childcare, swim lessons, youth sports, and chronic disease prevention programs. The funding comes as the Cortland YMCA reaches the midpoint of its first year operating a New York State Office of Children and Family Services–licensed School Age Child Care (SACC) program, offering consistent care throughout the year, including summer months, with transportation options for families in the Cortland Enlarged City School District.

  • The Cortland County YMCA has received the anonymous grant in 2026.
  • The YMCA's SACC program is in its first year of operation.

The players

Cortland County Family YMCA

A community organization that has been serving the Cortland area since the late 1800s, focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Gina Cusano-McLaughlin

The branch manager of the Cortland County Family YMCA.

Gunnar Madison

The regional executive director for the Cortland County Family YMCA and the YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This grant opportunity comes at a critical time. Cortland County is known as a childcare desert, and having additional support to offer more financial assistance to our families is crucial. Last year, we provided over $12,000 in summer camp scholarships alone, and this funding allows us to cast a wider net—not only for summer camp, but for year-round childcare.”

— Gina Cusano-McLaughlin, Branch Manager, Cortland County Family YMCA

“Affordable childcare is fundamentally a workforce issue. When families have reliable, high-quality care they can afford, parents are better able to participate fully in the workforce, strengthen household stability, and contribute to our local economy.”

— Gunnar Madison, Regional Executive Director, Cortland County Family YMCA and YMCA of Ithaca & Tompkins County

What’s next

The Cortland County Family YMCA still has limited openings in its before- and after-school program and is currently accepting registrations for full-day care during upcoming school breaks. Summer camp registration opened Feb. 1, and scholarship applications are available on a rolling basis through the organization's Membership for All program.

The takeaway

This grant will help the Cortland YMCA expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare and youth programming, addressing a critical need in the community and supporting local families and the workforce. The YMCA's commitment to financial assistance and community-focused services demonstrates its role as a vital resource for the Cortland area.