Springfield, IL (WAND) – Many after-school programs are back in session as the school year returns. The Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois said that due to a lack of funding, several program locations have been cut.

“We have lost over $2.8 million a year in funding,” said Tiffany Mathis Posey, CEO and Executive Director of The Boys and Girls Clubs in Central Illinois.

Posey has been with the organization for 12 years and became CEO in 2020. She said that the program had eight school-based sites between 2020-2022. Since then, they have grown to 22 locations, becoming the second-largest non-metro boys and girls clubs in the entire state. Posey said when they applied for a grant this year, they did not get it.

“We now, as an organization, have lost funding for 16 of our 21 after-school program sites. We have five more schools that are funded through June of 2026. Three of those schools are here in Springfield. Two of those schools are in Jacksonville,” Posey said.

District 117 allowed the organization to have two additional sites, but it will cost parents $60 per week. Posey said this does not reflect the desires of the organization.

“While it is not ideal for us to have to move to a fee-based model, it was either that or not have but two programs in the Jacksonville area,” Posey said.

If you are interested in donating or volunteering, you can visit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois website. The program will begin Monday, Aug. 18.