A Message from Robbie Bach
Chairman of the Board
Boys & Girls Clubs of America

To our donors, supporters, volunteers, and employees:

In relation to a proposed reauthorization of federal funds for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), a request was made by four U.S. senators for additional information about the organization’s operational policies and expenditures. While BGCA looks forward to responding to this request, in light of recent news reports, I believe it is vitally important that the facts are available and understood by all stakeholders and constituents of the Boys & Girls Club Movement. I want all of you to know that BGCA is an exceptionally well run organization, both nationally and locally, and I am very confident that your time, money, and commitment to the Movement are well managed.

BGCA is an effective and efficiently-run organization. In 2008, 83 percent of BGCA’s expenses were used to provide programs and services to local Clubs. The organization has been cited by Forbes, Newsweek, SmartMoney, and U.S. News & World Report as a leading charitable organization based on societal impact and efficient use of donor dollars.

BGCA is a responsible steward of donor dollars, including federal grants. Of the $41 million in federal grants received in 2008, 91 percent was passed through directly to local Clubs to provide services to children. The rest was used for grant administration and compliance with all federal regulations.

The national organization is focused on the needs of local Clubs. Every Boys & Girls Club organization is locally managed. When economic times are challenging, sometimes difficult decisions must be made locally to reallocate Club services or, as last resort, close a unit. Last year, BGCA worked with local affiliates to prevent 125 local Club units from closing, and despite the economic climate, saw 80 new sites established.

BGCA has a competitive, equitable compensation policy. The Board of Governors seeks to attract the most capable talent to achieve the Movement’s vital mission. The organization’s salaries and expenses are in line with similar organizations in the nonprofit sector. This is confirmed by independent third-party experts, including Mercer Incorporated, who recently completed the review and analysis of BGCA’s current CEO compensation. Her compensation is regularly reviewed by external consultants and continues to be comparable to the total compensation of other large, complex nonprofits. The CEO has not received a base salary increase since 2006 and none of her salary is funded from government sources. Our President and CEO Roxanne Spillett is an extraordinary leader who has dedicated 32 years to BGCA and serving America’s youth.

On a personal note, as a longtime local Board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue, Washington, I can directly attest to the value the national organization brings to its local affiliates. The services that BGCA provides are unparalleled in the nonprofit sector, enabling local Clubs to maximize their impact on the lives of the young people they serve.

As chairman of the national Board of Governors, I speak for the entire board in pledging our ongoing commitment to ensuring that Boys & Girls Clubs of America continues to earn the trust and support of its many friends and constituents.

If you have thoughts or comments, please feel free to reach me at chairman@bgca.org.

Sincerely,

Robbie Bach
Bellevue, WA

Chairman
Boys & Girls Clubs of America

_______