July 1, 2026 – The Boys & Girls Club of Decatur has announced a $750,000 fundraising campaign as it works to strengthen its financial footing following the organization’s recent financial challenges.
The campaign, called “Decatur Needs Club Kids,” seeks donations to support programming, expand services and build long-term sustainability. Donation levels range from $100 to more than $5,000, with organizers also encouraging volunteerism and community advocacy.
The fundraising effort comes several weeks after the club announced it would be unable to offer its planned summer programming because of financial constraints. The Macon County Mental Health Board later approved $53,000 in emergency funding, allowing summer programming to move forward.
During a “State of the Club” presentation, board members said the organization is now focused on reducing its reliance on grant funding while rebuilding relationships with local donors and businesses.
Vice Chair Nikki Fenderson said developing a broader base of community support is central to the club’s long-term strategy. Fenderson said the club had become too dependent on grants while not focused on building connections with local donors .
“Our base was grants,” she said. “Grants are not consistent. You cannot be so dependent on grants. We need local businesses and community donors to help build that support, while also making sure we are present in the community and building those relationships.”
She said the board is recommitting to community outreach and donor engagement as part of its long-term strategy.
Fenderson also acknowledged the organization inherited financial challenges that were not fully understood when current leadership assumed their roles.
“We didn’t know what we didn’t know financially,” she said. “It’s been trying to get everything rectified.”
She said the organization is working more closely with Boys & Girls Clubs Alliance representatives for guidance on governance, operations and organizational improvements.
According to materials distributed during the presentation, the club served more than 600 youth during the past year, including more than 150 teen members, while providing more than 10,000 meals and snacks at no cost.
The club’s strategic priorities include strengthening organizational capacity, investing in staff development, increasing youth impact, expanding community influence and advancing digital transformation. National Boys & Girls Club priorities highlighted during the presentation focus on improving youth outcomes in health and well-being, character and leadership, academic success and workforce readiness while expanding organizational quality and growth.
The fundraising campaign states that contributions will support expanded programs and services, provide resources for youth, strengthen the community and create lasting change.
While board leaders say the campaign represents part of a broader long-term sustainability strategy, they acknowledged rebuilding a stable donor base and strengthening community partnerships will be critical to the organization’s future financial health.
