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.