Running a quality out-of-school time program in Maine takes more than passion — it takes resources. Many programs are leaving federal dollars on the table simply because they do not know they are available or do not know how to access them. MASN works to connect programs across Maine with information about federal funding streams that can support and strengthen their work.
One of the most powerful strategies available to out-of-school time programs is blending and braiding federal funding — drawing on multiple funding streams together to cover different aspects of program costs. No single funding source has to do everything. When used together strategically, federal funds can support staffing, meals, programming, and more — creating a more stable and sustainable financial foundation for your program.
21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is the primary federal funding stream dedicated specifically to out-of-school time programming. Authorized under Title IV, Part B of the Every Student Succeeds Act and administered in Maine through the Maine Department of Education, 21st CCLC grants support before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs that serve students in high-need schools. Programs funded through 21st CCLC provide academic enrichment, youth development activities, and family engagement opportunities. Grants are competitive and multi-year, providing a stable funding base for programs that receive them.
Child Care and Development Fund / Child Care Assistance Program (CCDF/CCAP)
The Child Care and Development Fund is the primary federal funding stream supporting childcare affordability for low-income families. In Maine, it is administered through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Out-of-school time programs that are licensed as childcare providers may be eligible to accept CCAP subsidies, which cover the cost of care for income-eligible families. For many programs, CCAP subsidies represent a significant and steady source of revenue — and for families, they are what makes enrollment possible. Programs that are not yet licensed or registered to accept CCAP subsidies may be missing a significant opportunity to both serve more families and strengthen their financial base.
AmeriCorps
AmeriCorps places trained members in community organizations across the country to support their work — and out-of-school time programs are a strong fit. AmeriCorps members can serve in a range of roles within a program, from direct youth engagement and tutoring to program coordination and family outreach. In exchange for their service, members receive a living stipend and an education award. For programs, AmeriCorps members represent an opportunity to expand capacity without the full cost of hiring additional staff. Some Maine out-of-school time programs are already benefiting from AmeriCorps partnerships — and many more could be.
USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
The Child and Adult Care Food Program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides reimbursements to eligible programs for nutritious meals and snacks served to children. Out-of-school time programs that serve snacks or meals to children during afterschool hours may be eligible to participate in CACFP — receiving reimbursement for food costs that can meaningfully offset program expenses. Participation in CACFP also supports children’s health and well-being by ensuring they have access to nutritious food during out-of-school hours.
USDA Summer Food Service Program (SFSP)
The Summer Food Service Program provides reimbursement for meals served to children during the summer months when school is not in session. For out-of-school time programs that operate summer programming, SFSP can cover the cost of breakfast, lunch, and snacks — removing a significant financial barrier to running quality summer programs and ensuring children who rely on school meals during the year continue to have access to nutritious food over the summer.
Putting It All Together
These funding streams are not mutually exclusive. A single out-of-school time program might draw on 21st CCLC funds to support programming, accept CCAP subsidies for eligible families, participate in CACFP for afterschool snacks, run SFSP during the summer months, and host an AmeriCorps member to expand its team. Together, these sources can cover a wide range of program costs — making it possible to serve more children, pay staff more fairly, and operate more sustainably.
MASN connects programs across Maine with information and resources about each of these funding streams, helping programs understand what they may be eligible for and how these funds can work together to support their work.