News Summary
OurBRIDGE for KIDS, a nonprofit in Charlotte, faces a critical funding crisis after losing an anticipated $826,000 federal grant. This loss jeopardizes after-school and summer programs essential for immigrant and refugee children. With funding representing 30-40% of their budget, potential layoffs loom. The organization is seeking community support and examining fundraising initiatives to bridge the gap as it coordinates with local schools to maintain its crucial services.
Charlotte, NC – OurBRIDGE for KIDS, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting immigrant and refugee children, faces a significant funding crisis as it was recently informed that it will not receive an anticipated $826,000 grant from the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. This unexpected withdrawal of funds, announced just one day before they were set to receive them, poses a serious threat to the organization’s operations.
The federal Department of Education has withheld over $6 billion in grants from recipients under the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program while it reviews the alignment of these programs with the priorities of the current federal administration. The board chair emeritus of OurBRIDGE termed the funding loss as a “kick in the gut,” indicating the emotional and financial impact this decision has on the organization.
OurBRIDGE for KIDS provides complimentary after-school and summer programming for children in grades K-8, focusing primarily on serving those from immigrant and refugee backgrounds. The organization operates from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every school day, offering not only educational support such as one-on-one English tutoring and homework assistance but also free dinner to its participants. The activities incorporated within the program are designed to celebrate the students’ diverse cultural backgrounds and promote intercultural understanding among peers.
Since its inception in 2014, with only 35 students, OurBRIDGE has experienced significant growth, serving approximately 250 children from 27 different countries by 2025. This remarkable expansion highlights the organization’s crucial role in the community and its commitment to enhancing the educational experiences of the children it serves. However, the recent decision to withhold funding represents a staggering 30-40% reduction in OurBRIDGE’s total budget, a loss that program leadership has indicated will severely jeopardize ongoing services.
The uncertainty around funding raises concerns about potential layoffs or transitions of some of the organization’s approximately 35 staff members to part-time positions. The leadership of OurBRIDGE is actively seeking to secure community support and is brainstorming various fundraising initiatives to fill the financial gap left by the lost federal grants. Increased public engagement and potential campaigns directed at local officials are also being considered to advocate for the release of these essential funds.
As a client-focused organization, the potential ramifications of the funding cuts extend beyond the operational aspects. There is growing concern that parents who rely on OurBRIDGE while they work to acclimate to their new surroundings may face increased struggles if the program is unable to maintain its current level of support for their children. Throughout the academic year, OurBRIDGE collaborates with 18 local schools, including Pinewood Elementary and Eastway Middle School, solidifying its position as an integral part of the educational ecosystem in Charlotte.
Looking ahead, the leadership of OurBRIDGE plans to convene with its Board of Directors to discuss immediate actions and further communication with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools regarding the implications of the funding loss. The future of the summer programs currently in operation remains in doubt as the organization navigates these financial challenges, highlighting the critical need for continued support from the community and stakeholders invested in the education and well-being of Charlotte’s diverse youth population.
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: OurBRIDGE for KIDS Faces Funding Crisis
- Wikipedia: Nonprofit Organization
- QC News: Funding Cuts Threaten Legal Aid
- Google Search: Community Learning Centers program
- WCNC: Charlotte Budget Prioritizes Nonprofits
- Google Scholar: Impact of Funding Cuts on Nonprofits
- Q City Metro: LISC Charlotte Area Fund
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nonprofit Organization
- WBTV: Federal Cuts Impact Local Nonprofits
- Google News: Charlotte Nonprofit Funding Cuts
Author: HERE Charlotte
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