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Boys and Girls Clubs of America

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: December 6th, 2023

Boys and Girls Clubs of America promotes and enhances the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence. Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow, all while having fun. It is a place where great futures are started each and every day. 

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The Good

  • Administrative expenses
  • Fundraising expenses
  • Program percentage
  • Donor communication
  • Awards

Administrative Expenses

In 2014, Boys and Girls Clubs of America spend $17,853,463 on administrative expenses. The current president and CEO of Boys and Girls Clubs of America, James L. Clark, had a reported salary of $580,625, which is 0.46 percent of the organization's of total annual revenue.

Fundraising Expenses

Boys and Girls Clubs of America reported total fundraising expenses of $9,469,909 in 2014. This means that it costs the organization five cents to raise one dollar, which is a fairly good ratio.

Program Percentage

On average, Boys and Girls Clubs of America uses 81.8 percent of its revenue to fund its programs. Most independent charity watchdog organizations agree that anything above 80 percent illustrates an effective management of funds.

Donor Communication

Boys and Girls Clubs of America has a robust blog and and an active social media presence to provide its donors with regular program updates. In addition, interested individuals can submit their email address to receive the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's email newsletter.

Awards

Boys and Girls Clubs of America, along with its partner Southface, was awarded the EBie Award for Facility Sustainability in 2016. This award recognizes organizations for their efforts in rehabilitating existing buildings for use, as well as retro-fitting these facilities with energy efficient features.
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The Bad

  • Total income
  • Accessible financial information
  • Negative press

Total Income

Boys and Girls Clubs of America reports its income on its website with links to annual financial statements and IRS Form 990s. Revenues for the past several years are as follows: 2015: Undisclosed 2014: $159,628,941 2013: $170,816,067 2012: $149,670,995

Accessible Financial Information

Boys and Girls Clubs of America has only published financial data dating back to 2012 and the information is somewhat difficult to find. Additionally, the organization has not yet published its financial data for 2015. The lack of information for years prior to 2012 and absence of 2015 information illustrates a lack of transparency.

Negative Press

Boys and Girls Clubs of America has received a fair share of negative press over the years, including the following: Delay in Becoming Inclusive for Girls Boys and Girls Clubs of America has received some criticism for its supposed delay in renaming the organization to include girls. This officially occurred in 1990 as a result of public pressure to serve girls living in underprivileged areas by providing after school clubs and activities. Clearly, this is no longer an issue, since the Boys and Girls Clubs of America serves all children under 18, regardless of race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. Senate Inquiry on Pay and Spending by the Organization In 2010, several Republican senators began an investigation of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's spending, specifically in regards to executive salaries. This investigation found that although the Boys and Girls Clubs of America reported a significant financial loss in 2009, executives were receiving annual salaries which were significantly higher than those of similar organizations. One executive salary was reportedly over $1 million. Surprise, Arizona Residents of Surprise, Arizona have been sharply divided in their support of a Boys and Girls Clubs of America facility being built in their neighborhood. Opposing residents fear that property values will decline, have public safety concerns, and worry that undesirable youth will be using the facility. Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Coca-Cola Coca-Cola has long been a supporter of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, but this has come into question lately. This controversy centers around the idea that a corporation which manufactures soft drinks, which have been linked to the epidemic of obesity, should not be sponsoring an organization which is promoting healthy habits in America's youth. Report Being Uncomfortable with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's Code There are several groups which have stated that the Boys and Girls Clubs of America's code, which is ""I believe in God and the right to worship according to my own faith and religion," is discriminatory to those who do not hold religious beliefs.
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The Bottom Line

Boys and Girls Clubs of America has a respectable program percentage and communicates regularly with its donors, but the organization has been involved in several controversies in the past.
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Star Rating

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4.9

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21 Reviews

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14%

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Kaylee Gay Chicago, IL

I love the mission of the Boys and Girls Club. It is such a safe place for children and adolescents where they get to escape from their worries and struggles for a few hours a week. This program can save so many kids and it is so amazing to watch the transformation of the kids. I love the personal connection that you make with the kids and that by volunteering there you get to be a part of making that kid's future. You get to help them with life-changing opportunities. I love that I can make an impact on a kid's life and I definitely l recommend getting involved in your local chapter.

3 years ago

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Eddie Rios Ogden, UT

What a great organization is the Boys and Girls Club of America! They are ensuring that they continue to provide safe, family centric, healthy activities and are always looking out for the betterment of our youth. They are greatly committed to helping, serving as role models, and keeping our kids safe. They are a positive organization with positive leadership, clear vision, and warm hearts.

4 years ago

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TC B Florissant, CO

What a fantastic program for the youth in our communities. As a social worker- I have accessed this program for youth in foster care many many times. They work with low-income families to ensure that children can utilize the program and direct their attention to positive activities.

1 year ago

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Robert Horn II Pahrump, NV

I have donated to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America each and every year. The organization has helped my children when young and they continue to help the children of today. They are a great asset to my community and all communities.

1 year ago

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Michelle Rios Ogden, UT

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America are a great organization that provides an outlet for kids, giving them a place to go that keeps them off of the streets. They provide a place for kids to go to get a meal in the summer when they otherwise wouldn't have food. I make it a point to donate to them when I can to enable them to help all kids.

4 years ago

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Audrey Mitchell Managua, MN

I was enrolled in the Club all growing up and had a great experience. They had trustworthy teachers, programs, food, field trips, and a great program that got children out in the community and a safe place to have fun.

4 years ago

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Alicia Holman Gilbert, AZ

I think this a great place for kids to be able to go to play sports and/or games when they might not have someone at home to be there for them. It's good for kids to have a place to be able to be active and also have someone to talk with if needed.

6 years ago

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Zac Cannon Long Beach, MS

Boys and Girls Clubs is a great organization. They offer many opportunities to everyone who needs it. When I was marching drum corps in Nashua, NH with the Spartans Drum and Bugle Corps, the local Boys and Girls Club allowed us to shower on site, rehearse, and sometimes sleep there when we needed to.

4 years ago

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Destiny Wyche Tampa, FL

There is so much that is going on in the world and many negative things to get caught up in. However, the club offered a safe place to enjoy life and build a network of forever friends to keep away from the negativity. The staff is amazing.

4 years ago

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Megan A McEvoy Tallahassee, FL

I volunteered at a Boys and Girls Club of America during high school and I absolutely loved working with all of the kids. The organization provides them with activities and education that they otherwise would not have access to, and it gives kids a great place to meet friends.

5 years ago

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Teresa Bills Mayflower, AR

This is a great place for all children. My children growing up went here. I've volunteered for some time. This charity is one of the best I've ever worked

1 year ago

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Joseph Tempe, AZ

I have supported the Boys and Girls club because they do great work in the community, great charity. I love their locations, they have great programs for the kids

1 year ago Edited June 13, 2023

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Chrissy Lang Bellevue, WA

As my family is homeless now the boys and Girls Club have stepped up and helped my daughter get into summer camp thank you

1 year ago

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M T Chicago, IL

I like that this organization pairs citizens with at risk youth. I enjoyed that there are so many opportunities to volunteer.

1 year ago

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Natalia Correa MDTribe Tallahassee, FL

I love the efforts of the Boys and Girls Club. They really care about their partnerships and it is always a pleasure to work with them.

4 years ago

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Randi Nelson Managua, MN

Boys and girls club was something I attended while growing up and it was awesome at making sure the children are taken care of and getting a good influence while there.

4 years ago

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Makayla Manus Gulfport, MS

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is so amazing. It's taught people like me to do so many things. It helped me learn new skills whenever I was younger. And so now i give back.

4 years ago

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Colby

Good, safe place for young people to hang out at! I used to play basketball there when I was a child.

1 year ago Edited August 8, 2023

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David Adrian Morales Weslaco, TX

I like the Boys and Girls Club Mission! They have always been a good outreach program for the community in my area.

1 year ago

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Eric Smith Riverton, UT

They provided me the opportunity to learn and play basketball. I always loved going to the boys and girls club.

5 years ago

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Mrs.LadyTee Chicago, IL

My son had the privlege of going to a BGC. He learned things that will last a lifetime.

4 years ago