Thank you for your interest in the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam
At first glance most think the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Santiam is a simple organization, providing programs and services for children afterschool. This perception couldn’t be further from the truth.
Over the past decade the organization has expanded its work and grown dramatically in complexity. In addition to afterschool programs for children aged k-12th grade and youth recreational athletics, the BGCGS operates a state licensed child development center (Kids Club) serving children ages 3-5, Punkin Seed preschool, Pre-K programs (free preschool programs operated in partnership with Lebanon Community Schools), Greater Santiam Youth Works (a workforce training program for high school students), and six 21st Century Community Learning Center programs. Coupled with the majority of these programs is the Club’s nutrition program that provides daily afterschool meals and snacks averaging over 80,000 a year.
BGCGS is a cornerstone organization in both Lebanon and Sweet Home providing support for other non-profits and community based organizations through the loan of staff expertise and leadership, as well as the use of facilities whenever possible.
The cost of all this work to support our vision for a vibrant and prosperous community where all children thrive, comes with a heavy cost (especially now in 2021); this year that cost will be over $2 million.
The funds to operate these programs are derived in various manners – cost reimbursement programs such as our nutrition program, 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, individual giving, private and public foundations, and fundraising. Programs service fees are a minimal part of the Club’s annual income, coming in at less than 20% as NO family is ever asked to cover the full cost of a service or program.
Three years ago the BGCGS moved to implement a sliding scale for the afterschool program. The majority of families attending (nearly 60%) qualify for the lowest tier fee schedule with only 5% paying the maximum. Therefore EVERY dollar donated to the Club or raised is doing good by providing support for a local child.
For additional information regarding the Club’s finance please see our most recent 990 filing and/or our current year budget.