Leveraging Resources and Funding

A key aspect of PASA’s role as an intermediary is leveraging local, state and national funding to increase the availability of quality after-school programming. PASA strives to capitalize on resources invested in our local partners, by working with the City of Providence on how best to target both their investments and PASA’s.

PASA operates on an annual budget of approximately $2 million. The middle school and quality development system operate with funding braided together from the national, state and city levels, and from public and philanthropic sources. Our work requires us to fully maximize all funding streams and resources. There are several ways in which this is accomplished:

Organizing a network of public and private partners to share resources and build on strengths

PASA’s greatest strength is its network of city, state, business and community partners that can offer individual resources to the collective system. Examples of how these partners contribute resources to the system include:

  • the Providence School District’s late bussing system provides transportation home for participating middle school youth
  • City Year corps members help to staff and provide programming in the AfterZones in four schools 
  • the City of Providence offers financial assistance, leadership and use of park and recreation facilities
  • community members - from athletes to artists - share their expertise by leading programming
  • local colleges and universities provide student volunteers and serve on AfterZone Coordinating Councils

Leveraging national and local funding not otherwise available to small non-profits

PASA does not provide after-school programming. Rather, it works as an intermediary, coordinating and serving a network of local providers. As a result, we attract funders from all levels - national to local - and offer assistance to providers who would otherwise not know of, or be able to receive, such funding. Additionally, because 92% of students in Providence qualify for free or reduced lunches, PASA provides snacks at its after-school locations in partnership with Sodhexo with funding from the USDA’s Federal Nutrition Assistance Programs.

Getting more money into the community

Due to our ability to attract funding from all levels, PASA redistributes dollars to quality community providers interested in offering programming. We have a grant process in place for reallocation and award over $500,000 per year to community partners.