Alexander Support Fund
The Alexander Support Fund, otherwise known as ASF, was named after the founder of the Y’s Men Movement, Judge Paul William Alexander. The programme was called the Paul William Alexander Scholarship Fund (PWASF) until 1982 when the name was changed to Alexander Scholarship Fund. In 2025, the name was changed to Alexander Support Fund.
ASF started in 1954, at the Y’s Men’s International Convention in Lansing, Michigan. Money had been collected to have a famous painter do a portrait of Judge Paul. He felt it was a waste, but agreed to sit for a renowned photographer at a lesser cost. Left-over monies amounting to about US$ 900 started this programme of Y’s Men International.
ASF at first was administered centrally through the International Service Director (ISD) on the recommendations received from Area Service Directors (ASDs). Later the administration of the Fund shifted to the Areas. Each Area is expected to raise its own funds to meet the various requests from candidates who satisfy the conditions established by the Area. This also places the onus on each Area to raise sufficient funds in order to meet the ever-increasing number of requests from candidates.
Purpose
The Alexander Support Fund aims to support the YMCA and its mission by providing support for relevant projects and initiatives that advance YMCA goals at the National, Area, and International levels, while also strengthening the partnership between the YMCA and Y’s Men International.
Allocation of Funds
70% of all money collected is retained at the local level (country or Region) and the remaining 30% is passed on to IHQ for allocation at international level.
Promotion
Each Club is urged to promote some fund-raising project specifically for ASF. Some clubs take money from their general project funds.
Regional Conventions sponsor special activities or projects to bring in money. Fines are a fun source of income. Districts may celebrate an ASF DAY together with some money raising activity.