What If TFS Did Not Exist?

Recent policy shifts and pending budget cuts threaten to vastly reduce the number of students who participate in afterschool programming. According to the Afterschool Alliance, 35% of DC students in grades K – 12 participate in afterschool programs. A lack of funding for our program and others like it, would negatively impact the 26,619 children and families that are currently being served. More specifically, low-income, minority students, enrolled in schools in Ward 7 and 8 would have fewer opportunities to access the academic and social supports needed to help close the achievement gap.

While TFS relies on funding to carry out its programming, we have a strong financial base and have been able to sustain our growth even during the recession and challenging economic climate. Since 2008, TFS’ annual operating budget has grown from $838,784 to $1.7 million, and internal support systems have been expanded to create a more stable administrative and development structure. TFS has also established a formal reserve fund for the first time in its history – with the requisite policies and guidelines for proper fund management and investment policies for fund growth. These long-term financial planning strategies will help ensure that TFS achieves the targeted outcomes and long-term goals of helping students break the cycle of poverty.

For more information about The Fishing School and to get involved, please visit www.fishingschool.org, or call (202) 399-3618.

We also invite you to ‘Like’ our Facebook page and follow our Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter accounts.