Cutting program costs in certain areas, like equipment and staffing, can help directors allocate resources to more pressing budget costs:
Many programs operate on a tight budget due to the rising costs of after school care and the number of participating students. The price of running high-quality, out-of-school-time programs ranges from an average of $3,450 to $3,780 per student, according to a 2009 study by The Wallace Foundation. And, despite funding from local, state and federal grants, private donations and family contributions, most program directors still struggle to finance their program.
Cutting program costs in certain areas, like equipment and staffing, can help directors allocate resources to more pressing budget costs:
- Buy used/discounted sports equipment. Save money by checking online discounts, buying from a secondhand store, receiving donations from friends and neighbors or buying items through Craigslist or eBay.
- Use volunteers. Recruit staff from local colleges, universities and community organizations or through AmeriCorps and similar programs.
- Partner with local businesses and organizations. Develop a partnership with a company or organization that believes in your program’s mission in order to fund digital technology such as video cameras, laptops, 3D printers, etc.
- Grow a garden. Gardening not only teaches students about nutrition and healthy eating habits, it can help provide free snacks for your program.
- Foster imagination. Whether students are building a robot from household items or developing empathy through role-play, program leaders can provide free or low-cost activities to keep students learning.
For resources and grant opportunities finance your after school program, check out Funding Streams: How To Finance Your Afterschool Program.
