FAQ Background - Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our mission, programs, and how to get involved

Our Mission & Impact

Our mission is to nurture and inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We provide a safe, positive, and engaging after-school environment.

We focus on youth ages 6-18 through three core areas: Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character & Citizenship. Our evidence-based programs are designed to close the opportunity gap and help over 3,200 youth annually succeed in school and in life. Oakland Clubhouse members maintain an average 3.5 GPA, have a 100% graduation rate, and 90% matriculate to college.

We operate in Oakland, with three clubhouses located in areas where youth and families need us most, specifically serving communities in East and West Oakland.

Programs & Services

Our programs are designed for young people from kindergarten through high school, ages 6 to 18.

We offer a wide range of programs including:

  • •Academic Support: Homework help, tutoring, and STEM education.
  • •Arts & Culture: Visual arts, music, dance, and creative expression.
  • •Sports & Recreation: Team sports, physical fitness, and health education.
  • •Character & Leadership: Mentorship, leadership development, and community service.

    • While we keep our membership fee very low— $25 a year to give kids a sense of ownership—the actual cost to serve each youth is over $2,500 annually. Thanks to generous supporters, we are able to provide scholarships that help bridge the gap and ensure no child is turned away from this transformative programming.

    Getting Involved

    We welcome volunteers who are passionate about helping youth. Opportunities range from tutoring and mentoring to leading workshops and assisting with special events. All volunteers must be at least 14 years old and pass a background check.

    That's a great question. Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) is a local, independent non-profit organization. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national movement that provides a brand name, national research, and strategic support, but it does not directly fund the local clubs' day-to-day operations. We're proud to be a part of the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America movement, which provides our brand and a proven model for youth development. However, each local club is an independent non-profit that is responsible for its own fundraising

    Thank you for considering a donation! Philanthropic contributions help us keep our programs affordable and accessible to all. Below are common donation options:

  • •Online Donation: The most direct and immediate way to donate is through our donation page. You have an option to make a one-time gift or set up a recurring monthly donation.

    • Monthly donations create a reliable and predictable source of income for an organization. This steady cash flow allows for better budgeting and long-term planning, ensuring that programs can run consistently throughout the year without interruption. It's the difference between funding a one-time event and sustaining a year-round, after-school tutoring program.

  • •Mail or Check: You may send a check payable to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland to the organization's mailing address: P.O. Box 187770, Oakland, CA 94619.
  • •Corporate Matching Gifts: Many companies offer programs where they will match an employee's charitable donation, sometimes doubling or even tripling the impact. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland is registered with the Benevity platform, which is used by many Bay Area companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft. Please check with your employer to see if your gift can be matched.
  • •Stock and Securities: Donors may transfer appreciated stocks or other securities directly to the organization. This can be a tax-efficient way to give, as it may allow them to avoid capital gains taxes.
  • •Planned Giving: For a long-term impact, you may consider including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland in your estate planning through bequests in your will, trusts, or by naming the organization as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy.
  • •In-Kind Donations: In some cases, organizations can accept non-monetary gifts, such as technology, art supplies, or sports equipment. It's always best to contact the organization first to see if their in-kind donation can be used.

    • For other questions regarding funding, please contact Vice President, Advancement & Development Laila Dreidame at LDreidame@bgcoakland.org or at 510-535-0590.

    Yes, you may. Visiting one of the clubhouses is a fantastic way to see the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland firsthand.

    Here are the addresses and contact information for our three locations:

  • •Anna Marie Whalen Branch (Central East Oakland): 3300 High Street, Oakland, CA 94619
  • •Ossian E. Carr Branch (East Oakland): 8530 International Boulevard, Oakland, CA 94621
  • •Leonard J. Meltzer Branch (West Oakland): 920 24th Street, Oakland, CA 94607

    • To ensure the best experience and to protect the safety of the youth, please contact our main office at (510) 444-8211 or email info@bgcoakland.org to schedule your visit. This will allow us to coordinate with the branch director and ensure you get a full tour. We look forward to showing you the incredible work our clubs are doing every day.

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland has three passenger vans and offers transportation for youth at local schools to the clubhouses.

    Still Have Questions?

    We're here to help! Our team is ready to answer any questions and guide you through how you can make a difference.

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