FUNDRAISING RESOURCES

How to fundraise for After-School Programs?

After-school programs play a crucial role in community development. Explore proven grants, corporate sponsorships, and inventive fundraising ideas. Our extensive research and sector expertise provide a foundation for successful fundraising strategies.

Top 5 grants for After-School Programs nonprofits in 2025

Unlock funding for your nonprofit with grants designed for After-School Programs. Explore government, foundation, and corporate grants to expand your impact.

21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Grant

U.S. Department of Education

Up to $500,000 per year

Government

Supports the creation of community learning centers providing academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Apply

New York Life Foundation Aim High Grant

New York Life Foundation

$100,000 over two years

Private Foundation

Supports middle school OST programs serving low-income youth and communities, focusing on the transition from 8th to 9th grade.

Apply

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Advancing Afterschool Grant

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation

Varies

Private Foundation

Supports efforts to increase access to quality afterschool and summer learning programs, particularly for low-income children and families.

Apply

After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program Grant

California Department of Education

Up to $152,612 per site

Government

Funds the establishment of local after school education and enrichment programs through partnerships between schools and local community resources.

Apply

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant

Indiana Department of Education

Varies

Government

Supports the creation of community learning centers providing academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

Apply

Top 5 companies donating to After-School Programs nonprofits in 2025

Partner with businesses that share your mission! Corporate sponsorships can provide funding, in-kind donations, and visibility to help your nonprofit expand and sustain After-School Programs efforts.

Food Service
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Retail
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Education
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Technology
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Healthcare
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Top 5 best fundraising platforms for After-School Programs

PayPal Logo
DonorBox Logo
Transaction fees
0%

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

2.2% + $0.30 per transaction; 0.8% for ACH payments*

  • Stripe: 2.2% + $0.30 per transaction
  • PayPal: 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction
  • ACH/Bank transfer: 0.8% ($5 maximum)

2.9% + $0.30 per donation

Platform fees
$0
No platform fees. Similar to Zeffy, GoFundMe relies on voluntary “tips” from donors to cover platform fees for nonprofits.
1% to 4%, depending on feature usage
1.75% platform fees. 2.95% platform fees for event ticketing, membership payments and P2P campaigns. Reduced fees for pro and premium plans.
No platform fees
Monthly fees
$0 / month
No monthly fees
Starting at $299/month*
Donorbox offers 3 subscription plan: Standard $0/month | Pro $139/month | Premium custom pricing
Starting at $200/month
Value for money
Capterra ratings
4.9 / 5
4.1/5
3.9/5
4.7/5
4.4/5
Ease-of-use
Capterra ratings
4.8 / 5
4.2/5
4.3/5
4.7/5
4.7/5
Quality of support
4.9 / 5
3.9/5
4.3/5
4.8/5
4.6/5

The only 100% free
fundraising platform
for nonprofits

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10 Best fundraising ideas for After-School Programs in 2025

Innovative fundraising fuels your mission. From peer-to-peer campaigns to community events, explore creative ways to raise funds and ensure long-term success for your After-School Programs.

1

Digital Skills-a-thon Challenge

Host a month-long online challenge where students learn and showcase digital skills (coding, graphic design, video editing) through daily tasks. Supporters pledge donations based on task completion or overall participation.

2

Community Talent Showcase Gala

Organize a grand evening event featuring performances by after-school program students, local celebrities, and community leaders. Include a silent auction, VIP experiences, and sponsorship opportunities.

3

Eco-Friendly School Supplies Collection

Partner with eco-friendly school supply brands to create custom after-school program kits. Sell these sustainable kits to parents and community members, with proceeds supporting your programs.

4

Corporate Mentorship Match Program

Develop a structured program where local businesses sponsor and provide mentors for after-school students. Companies donate for each mentor-student match and hour of mentorship provided.

5

Neighborhood Improvement Challenge

Launch a campaign where after-school students identify and tackle local community issues. Community members and businesses sponsor student-led projects, with a final showcase event to present results.

6

Virtual Reality After-School Adventure

Create an interactive VR experience showcasing a day in the life of after-school program participants. Offer tiered donation levels for different VR experiences, from simple 360° videos to fully interactive simulations.

7

After-School Olympics

Host a multi-day event featuring academic, artistic, and athletic competitions between after-school programs. Sell tickets, offer concessions, and secure corporate sponsorships for individual events.

8

Student-Designed Merchandise Line

Launch a competition for students to design merchandise (t-shirts, tote bags, stickers) representing their after-school experience. Produce and sell the winning designs, with proceeds supporting the programs.

9

Tech Industry Skills Workshop Series

Partner with tech companies to offer a series of paid workshops teaching in-demand skills (coding, data analysis, digital marketing) to adults. Proceeds support after-school tech programs for students.

10

Intergenerational Skills Exchange

Create a program where seniors teach traditional skills (cooking, crafts, local history) to after-school students, while students teach seniors modern skills (smartphone use, social media). Community members sponsor skill-sharing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

<div ms-code-snippet-q="1">What are effective fundraising strategies for after-school programs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="1">Effective fundraising strategies for after-school programs in 2025 include leveraging digital platforms, engaging in peer-to-peer fundraising, and hosting virtual events. Online crowdfunding campaigns can reach a wider audience and are cost-effective. Implement a recurring giving program to secure steady income. Utilize social media to showcase program impact and engage supporters. Partner with local businesses for sponsorships or in-kind donations. Consider grant applications, focusing on education and youth development funders. Engage program participants in fundraising efforts through student-led initiatives. Lastly, optimize your website for mobile donations, as 65% of nonprofit website traffic comes from mobile devices[1]. Remember to tailor these strategies to your specific program and community needs.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="2">How can after-school programs increase donor retention rates?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="2">To increase donor retention rates, after-school programs should focus on personalized communication and demonstrating impact. Implement a robust donor management system to track interactions and preferences. Send regular updates on program achievements and student success stories. Offer exclusive behind-the-scenes content to donors. Personalize thank-you messages and include specific details on how their donation was used. Create a tiered recognition program to acknowledge different levels of support. Engage donors beyond financial contributions by inviting them to volunteer or attend events. Implement a monthly giving program, as recurring donors have a 90% retention rate compared to 46% for one-time donors[2]. Conduct donor surveys to gather feedback and improve your fundraising approach. Remember, it costs five times more to acquire a new donor than to retain an existing one, so prioritize retention strategies.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="3">What are innovative fundraising ideas for after-school programs in 2025?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="3">Innovative fundraising ideas for after-school programs in 2025 include virtual reality (VR) experiences showcasing program activities, AI-powered chatbots for donor engagement, and blockchain-based transparent donation tracking. Consider hosting a 'Skill-a-thon' where students showcase learned skills to sponsors. Implement gamified giving through mobile apps, allowing donors to track their impact in real-time. Organize virtual mentorship auctions, connecting supporters with students. Create limited edition NFTs featuring student artwork or program milestones. Develop a subscription box service with educational materials and program updates. Host hybrid events combining in-person and virtual elements to maximize reach. Leverage augmented reality (AR) for interactive donor recognition displays. Remember, 57% of nonprofits are exploring new and innovative fundraising strategies[3], so staying ahead of trends is crucial for success.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="4">How to create a successful grant proposal for after-school program funding?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="4">To create a successful grant proposal for after-school program funding, start by thoroughly researching potential funders and aligning your proposal with their priorities. Clearly articulate your program's mission, goals, and measurable outcomes. Include detailed information on your target population and the specific needs you address. Provide a comprehensive budget breakdown and sustainability plan. Incorporate compelling data and success stories demonstrating your program's impact. Highlight partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses. Address how your program fills gaps in existing services. Include a strong evaluation plan to measure and report on outcomes. Use clear, concise language and follow all application guidelines meticulously. Remember, only 20% of first-time grant applicants succeed[4], so consider working with a grant writer or attending grant writing workshops to improve your chances. Tailor each proposal to the specific funder and keep your content current and relevant.</div><div ms-code-snippet-q="5">What are the best practices for online fundraising for after-school programs?</div><div ms-code-snippet-a="5">Best practices for online fundraising for after-school programs include optimizing your website for mobile donations, creating compelling storytelling content, and leveraging social media platforms. Implement a user-friendly donation process with multiple payment options. Use email marketing to nurture donor relationships and share impact stories. Create engaging video content showcasing program activities and student testimonials. Utilize peer-to-peer fundraising platforms to expand your reach. Implement a matching gift program to double donations from corporate sponsors. Use retargeting ads to re-engage website visitors who didn't donate. Offer recurring donation options for sustained support. Integrate social proof elements like donor testimonials and progress bars. Remember, 55% of people who engage with nonprofits via social media end up taking some sort of action[5], so maintain an active and engaging online presence. Regularly analyze your online fundraising metrics and adjust strategies accordingly for optimal results.</div>