This past summer I worked as a grant writer for a small youth-centered after school program. As a grant writer I was able to see how external influences in the form of funding foundations influence how non-profit organizations are run and the way projects are carried out. One of the major challenges that after school programs have to face, particularly those situated in low income areas, is filling in financial gaps and finding monetary resources. Many times, this is done by applying for grants. The problem I personally find in this is that many times the foundation, that is external from the community, defines need, resources, and objectives of a community organization from which they are external. Through this process, many times, this further debilitates youth from feeling empowered in their own communities. Also, many times, due to the restructuring of numerous funding organizations as well as numerous re-prioritizing initiatives from the state, money you get one year may not necessarily be there the next. That being said,
- What can be some alternatives means for gaining funds for after school programs that fully reflects the interests of the youth and citizens of the community?
- What resources are needed in order to make an after-school program fully effective?
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