What's Happening with Our Federal Funding - And Why We Need Your Voice
WINGS URGENT UPDATE 7/9/2025
On July 1st, states were set to receive federal funding that Wings for Kids and hundreds of other youth organizations across the country depend on to keep our doors open. Now, the administration has frozen that funding, leaving us and many others in an impossible position. This isn't just a bureaucratic delay—it's a direct threat to the quality afterschool programming we provide to children in under-resourced communities.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center grant (21st CCLC is funding we have relied on for decades, and Congress had already approved these funds for the fiscal year). But despite that approval, the administration has decided to withhold the money—with no clear timeline or next steps as to when or if funding will be released. For WINGS, we are looking at a potential $2.1M shortfall for this year alone.
You know how hard we've worked to build the trust of families in our communities, to develop programming that really makes a difference for kids, and to create those safe, nurturing spaces where children can thrive during the critical afterschool hours. Now we're being forced to make choices that go against everything we stand for. We're having to cut corners in ways that compromise the quality of what we offer.
Here’s what’s on the line:
reduced programming
scaled-back services
operating with skeleton staffing
These concessions mean we can't give our kids the consistent, high-quality experiences they deserve and need. It's heartbreaking because we know what works. We've seen how research-based curriculum and strong adult-child relationships help students thrive: better grades, stronger social and emotional skills, improved classroom behavior, and a higher chance of graduating high school.
What makes this especially concerning is that while policy decisions are being made, the immediate impact falls on the kids who are already facing the biggest challenges and the families who depend on our programs not just for academic support and enrichment, but for additional needs like healthy meals and safe supervision (which we provide, all at no cost to families).
When funding uncertainty disrupts proven programs, it's our vulnerable children who bear the consequences. What looks like a temporary funding freeze actually creates long-term damage that takes years to repair.
Every day this drags on, more kids are at risk. We're not talking about abstract policy here—we're talking about real children with real dreams who deserve every opportunity to succeed. They shouldn't be caught in the middle of politics.
That's why we're speaking up, and that's why we need your voice too. We're calling on the Administration, along with bipartisan support in Congress, to immediately release the funds that families are already counting on. This is about keeping promises to kids and communities who have invested their trust in us. Our kids deserve better, and they deserve it now.
Thanks for listening, and thanks for always having our backs.
These kids are counting on all of us.
With gratitude and urgency, Wings for Kids