A home away from home

Every school day, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Arizona (BGCCAZ) give kids in Prescott and Prescott Valley a safe, welcoming place to go after class. Youth ages 6–17 walk into the Club, drop their backpacks, and step into an afternoon filled with homework help, hands-on projects, and active play.

Families call the Clubs a “home away from home” because caring adults greet each child by name, listen to their stories, and help them grow and thrive. That warm, steady support exists because community members choose to keep it strong by donating to the BGCCAZ Clubs. Your gift helps local kids feel safe, seen, and ready to learn.

What your gift makes possible after school

When you give to BGCCAZ, you do more than keep the lights on. You help create meaningful moments for each child every day:

  • Homework lab and reading time – Staff and volunteers sit with kids as they finish assignments, study for tests, and practice reading skills so they can walk into school feeling prepared.
  • STEM and arts projects – From science experiments and robotics to painting and creative writing, youth explore interests that build confidence and spark curiosity.
  • Sports and movement – activities such as basketball, soccer, outdoor play, and gym games help kids stay active, reduce stress, and develop teamwork skills.
  • Healthy snacks – Nutritious snacks give kids the energy they need to focus, participate, and head home ready for the evening.

Gifts of every size matter. For example, modest donations help cover an hour of homework support or a week of healthy snacks, while larger gifts sponsor full memberships and program time for youth who need financial help.

When neighbors donate to the BGCCAZ Clubs, they stand beside local families and help more than 2,000 youth and caregivers access safe, high-quality programs each year.

Donating to the BGCCAZ Clubs with the AZ Tax Credit

BGCCAZ is a Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) under Arizona law. That means donating to the BGCCAZ Clubs may qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit (AZ Tax Credit), which lets you direct part of your state income tax to a cause you care about.

Here is the basic idea of the AZ Tax Credit for QCOs:

  • Your donation to a qualifying nonprofit can reduce the Arizona income tax you owe dollar-for-dollar, up to set yearly limits.
  • For the 2025 tax year, individuals can claim up to $495, and married couples filing jointly can claim up to $987 for gifts to QCOs.
  • If you owe $400 in state income tax and give $400 to a QCO like BGCCAZ (inside the limits), your state tax bill can drop by that same $400.

In short, a gift that supports after-school programs can also reduce what you pay in Arizona state income tax. This makes donating to the BGCCAZ Clubs through the AZ Tax Credit a powerful way to help local kids at little net cost. Always check the current rules from the Arizona Department of Revenue and consult with a tax professional for personalized guidance.

Major Gifts and Endowments: A lasting promise to local youth

Some supporters want their impact to stretch across many years and generations. Major Gifts and Endowments make that possible.

Major gifts are larger contributions that can fund capital projects, expanded programs, or major upgrades at the Prescott and Prescott Valley clubhouses. BGCCAZ has set bold goals to improve and expand its spaces, enabling more youth to access safe, high-quality programs.

Endowments are gifts that stay invested permanently. The original donation, or principal, is never spent. BGCCAZ invests this principal and uses part of the investment earnings each year to support after-school programs, scholarships, and essential operations. Over time, endowment income can help protect the Clubs during economic ups and downs, keeping services strong for local families.

By supporting Major Gifts and Endowments, donors help ensure that homework help, STEM labs, and caring mentors will be there for future generations of kids across Central Arizona.

A safe haven that supports working families

For many parents and caregivers, the Clubs make the difference between a stressful afternoon and a stable one. BGCCAZ keeps membership fees affordable and offers scholarships to ensure that the cost does not block a child’s access to care.

Youth enjoy:

  • Safe transportation partnerships or convenient locations in Prescott and Prescott Valley
  • Structured routines with homework time, activities, and movement
  • Positive relationships with trained staff and mentors

Parents gain peace of mind, knowing their kids are in a safe, positive place while they work or handle other responsibilities.

Community support, including donations to the BGCCAZ Clubs, utilization of the AZ Tax Credit, and contributions of Major Gifts and Endowments, keeps this safety net strong.

How to support BGCCAZ today

There are several simple ways to support after-school adventures at BGCCAZ:

  • Make an online gift – Donate through the BGCCAZ website to support programs in Prescott and Prescott Valley.
  • Give through the AZ Tax Credit – Mark your donation for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit and keep your receipt for your state return.
  • Set up a recurring monthly gift – Provide steady support that helps BGCCAZ plan and grow services for local youth.
  • Explore Major Gifts and Endowments – Discuss larger gifts with BGCCAZ to fund capital needs, program expansion, or endowment support.

BGCCAZ is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Give now to help create safe, meaningful adventures for kids in Central Arizona. Donate to BGCCAZ Clubs, use the AZ Tax Credit, or invest in Major Gifts and Endowments to build brighter futures for local youth.