1. Molly Bell, Steve Thai, Laurie VanBenschoten
Taking Care of Business: Exploring Alternative Funding Models for the Boys and Girls Club of Geneva
Molly Bell, Steve Thai, Laurie VanBenschoten
Abstract
Purpose of Research
Our research centers around alternative funding models for the Boys & Girls Club of Geneva. The program currently serves approximately 400 families in need of afterschool childcare, many of which are under significant financial stress. The Boys and Girls Club is seeking to raise funding without increasing the financial burden on families. Through administration of surveys to current families and interviews with directors of similar organizations, we hope to discover a way to maximize funding options and minimize harm to participation. Our research aims to help the Geneva Boys and Girls Club’s community program create a sustainable funding model and allow the program to continue to provide important afterschool care for Geneva residents.
Problem being addressed: The organization’s operating costs have been straining the budget in the current funding model
Our Purpose: To investigate potential new funding models for the Boys & Girls Club to raise funds to a sustainable level, while minimizing costs in terms of time, effort, and participation levels
Method
Preliminary Conclusions
Interview: attempted to interview directors of other Western NY Boys and Girls Clubs and Geneva childcare providers
We were only able to complete one interview, which was with the director of the Buffalo Boys and Girls Club
Utilized the director of the Geneva Club as a key informant through informal conversations
Content Analysis:
Explored the websites for Western NY Boys and Girls Clubs, including Geneva, and the national Boys and Girls Club organization page
Viewed past financial reports from Syracuse club in order to see their sources of funding
Use of Success for Geneva’s Children reports, sections on childcare, for contextual background on Geneva’s childcare situation
Analysis of US Census Data from the American Community Survey (2015 data)
Due to the nature of the services provided by the Geneva Boys & Girls Club, funding will be inconsistent.
However, as a result of the demographics of Geneva, there will always be alternative sources of funding and social programs available to population that uses the services of the Boys & Girls Club.
Conclusion: funding will be stable, but not sustainable
Future ideas: maximize the relationship between Hobart and William Smith Colleges and Boys & Girls Club by creating a permanent intern program focused on applying to grants and assisting the director in managing the funding sources available to the Boys & Girls Club of Geneva.
References
Boys & Girls Club of Geneva. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Boys & Girls Club of Rochester NY > Home. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Boys and Girls Clubs of America. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS). (2010, October 05). Your Geography Selections. Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Success for Geneva's Children. (n.d.). Retrieved April 26, 2017, from
Background on the Boys and Girls Club
Provides after-school and summer care to children age 6-18
Two locations: Goodman Street and Carter Road Community Center
Provides services to approximately 400 local families in need of after-school care
Meals
Tutoring
Activities
Unique Qualities of a Boys and Girls Club:
Clubs are community-based and building-centered.
Clubs provide a safe, affordable place for young people during non-school hours and during the summer.
Clubs are led by paid, trained youth development professionals