Northeast Ohio Boys & Girls Clubs hurt by federal funding freeze

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Money the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio (BGNCEO) needs to operate all of their clubs this fall, has been frozen by the federal government.

According to BGCNEO CEO Allen Smith, a total of $1.8 million of 21st Century Community Learning Center funds is being withheld at this time.

“While this summer’s programming is not affected, this sudden pause in funding has forced us to begin reevaluating how to most efficiently and effectively operate in the coming school year, including determining which Club locations we can sustain,” Smith said. “We are working closely with our team and partners to assess our options and make the most strategic use of available philanthropic and government resources.”

The BGCNEO ran 34 Clubs in six Northeast Ohio counties last year.

11 of those were funded by money from the 21st Century Community Learning Center program.

Smith said they are now evaluating all their sites and are hoping for increased donations from private sources.

“We were counting on this approved funding to provide vital services to our kids and their families,” Smith said. “We hope the funds will be released and any contingency plans won’t be needed.”