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The Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Movement

THE POSITIVE PLACE FOR KIDS!
Boys & Girls Clubs ofAmerica’s tradition of service to our nation’s youth began in 1860, when the first Boys Club was established inHartford,Connecticut. Since then, the organization has grown to serve some 4.5 million youth annually in more than 4,300 Boys & Girls Clubs through Club membership and community outreach.

The national organization, originally named Federated Boys’ Clubs and later Boys’ Clubs of America, was founded in 1906 by the 53 local Clubs in existence at that time. The purpose: to provide leadership and programs for its member Clubs, while helping to establish new Clubs in disadvantaged communities. The name became Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) in 1990 to reflect an expanded mission of service to all young people who need the support and guidance a Club provides.

BGCA’s efficient use of financial resources has won national recognition. In its latest “Philanthropy 400” report, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked BGCA as No. 15 among all nonprofit organizations, while placing BGCA in the No. 1 position among youth organizations for the thirteenth consecutive year. The survey, measuring private support, reported gifts to the national organization and local Boys & Girls Clubs totaling $697 million in 2007.

Forbes, SmartMoney, Newsweek and U.S. News & World Report have all ranked BGCA among the top charitable organizations inAmerica based on cost-effective use of donor dollars. WORTH magazine has ranked BGCA as one ofAmerica’s top one hundred charities, based on financial efficiency, strength of reputation, and program effectiveness.

Providing vital services to local Clubs in:

  • Program research and development.
  • Personnel recruitment and training.
  • Facility design, construction and safety.
  • Fundraising, marketing and communications.
  • Evaluation of Club effectiveness against national standards.
  • Consultation with community leaders interested in establishing new Clubs.
  • Addressing legislative and public policy issues affecting young people.

More Information:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America