Today’s young people are navigating challenges unlike any generation before them — from widening opportunity gaps to the social isolation of the digital age.
But just as the needs of youth are evolving, so too must the organizations that serve them. Addressing these challenges requires more than good intentions; it demands collaborative solutions that bring together public resources, private innovation, and innovative philanthropic support.
That spirit is alive in Stamford, where the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority, or CHEFA, has awarded a $382,000 Enterprise Capital Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford.
This investment represents more than a financial contribution — it’s a commitment to strengthening the systems that empower the people who help children thrive.
Through CHEFA’s Enterprise Capital Grant Program, nonprofits across Connecticut are building capacity, modernizing operations, and developing new strategies to sustain their missions. For BGCS, the grant will fuel a series of forward-thinking initiatives designed to expand access, improve efficiency, and deepen community engagement.
At the heart of this work is the launch of MyClubHub, a transformative data and engagement platform that will streamline operations, track outcomes, and help staff better measure the impact of their work. These upgrades allow BGCS to work smarter, not just harder — freeing up valuable staff time to focus on what truly matters: helping kids learn, lead, and succeed.
The grant also supports BGCS’s efforts to diversify revenue, grow individual giving, and enhance digital outreach, ensuring that the Club remains strong and sustainable for years to come. With hundreds of Stamford youth still on program waitlists, these improvements will directly translate into expanded access to career readiness programs, ESL classes, wellness initiatives, and creative learning opportunities.
The Boys & Girls Club of Stamford is more than an after-school program — it’s a leadership incubator, workforce development engine, and community anchor serving more than 550 young people daily. Importantly, as a locally operated nonprofit, it depends on partnerships like CHEFA’s to continue driving meaningful change.
Together, through collaboration, innovation, and persistence, we can ensure that every child in Stamford has the chance to discover their potential and build a future full of promise.
Craig Baker is the chief executive officer of the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford, and Jeanette W. Weldon is the executive director of the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority. or CHEFA.