Funding Out-of-School Time Programs—Now and in the FutureMillions of families depend on out-of-school time programs to support their children’s overall health and development outside of the classroom. Fortunately, the American Rescue Plan included $122 billion designated for education and $350 billion in flexible funding that many states and communities used to launch out-of-school time initiatives to support the social, emotional, and academic needs of children and youth. Once the spending window for these dollars closes, though, school districts that received the most funds (based on student poverty levels) will experience the most significant decline in funding. Consequently, advocates and program providers must plan now for a thoughtful, long-term approach to funding out-of-school time programs with other federal, state, and local funding sources. This fact sheet highlights some of the potential funding sources that can support out-of-school time programs. While it is not a comprehensive guide, it provides a general overview that advocates and providers can use as a starting point to think through sustainable funding options to support out-of-school time services. Download PDF Filed under:Middle Childhood, Youth, Advocates/Intermediaries, Funders, Policymakers/Agency Leaders, Publication, Sourcing Additional FundingMore Resources Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: King County, WA Best Starts for Kids provides comprehensive support from prenatal development through young adulthood to ensure that every child raised in King County grows up happy, healthy, safe, and thriving. Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Denver, CO Denver Preschool Program is available to all Denver 4-year-olds in their last year of preschool before kindergarten and qualifying 3-year-olds, with priority given to families experiencing financial hardships. Updates and Events Insights January 14, 2026 A New Year of Standing Together for Children and Youth Guest Blog December 10, 2025 Social Media, Mental Health, and the Role of After-School and Summer Programs News November 7, 2025 Early Childhood Wins Big on Election Night Close Share it! Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Click to copy URL Link Copied!
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: King County, WA Best Starts for Kids provides comprehensive support from prenatal development through young adulthood to ensure that every child raised in King County grows up happy, healthy, safe, and thriving.
Publication Voter-Approved Children’s Fund Profile: Denver, CO Denver Preschool Program is available to all Denver 4-year-olds in their last year of preschool before kindergarten and qualifying 3-year-olds, with priority given to families experiencing financial hardships.
Guest Blog December 10, 2025 Social Media, Mental Health, and the Role of After-School and Summer Programs