So how do you envision providing more financial support for afterschool programs in our community?

Afterschool programs, like most nonprofit organizations, are accustomed to working with limited budgets. Funding from government agencies and private foundations is most often tied to specific programs and activities, rather than providing the kind of general support that could enable an organization to establish a capital reserve or an endowment. These organizations would benefit from fewer funding "strings" and a more diverse pool of funders like businesses and individuals.

In addition, providers will need to take action to help themselves. Some are now exploring the idea of collaborations, resource-sharing, mergers, and more. Efficiencies will have to be achieved for them to deliver quality programming to children on shoe string budgets.