Did you know that you can charter a Native Boys & Girls Club?
Chartering a Boys & Girls Club on Native Lands is an investment in the future of Native youth, families, and Indigenous communities. Tribes, organizations and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-funded or Tribally controlled schools can establish a Club as a New Organization, New Unit, or New Extension Site, creating safe, supportive spaces where Indigenous young people can learn, build leadership skills, and achieve their full potential.
If you charter a Club under a Tribe, a separate 501(c)(3) designation is not required. As a chartered Boys & Girls Club, your organization gains access to the full support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, including evidence-based programs, proven curriculum, staff training, professional development opportunities, and a growing collection of Native-focused leadership resources through Spillett University. By joining our Indigenous Movement, you become part of a nationwide effort dedicated to empowering Native youth and strengthening Tribal communities.
The impact is clear and measurable:
Ways to Charter a Native Boys & Girls Club
Recognizing the sovereignty of Tribal Nations, Boys & Girls Clubs of America empowers Tribal communities to choose the chartering approach that best reflects their priorities and governance structure. Tribes, organizations and BIE-funded or Tribally controlled schools seeking to establish a Boys & Girls Club may do so through a Tribal Governed or Native/Tribal Entity, establishing a 501(c)3 or Tribal Owned 501(c)3), partnering with nearest local Native Boys & Girls Club organization or partnering with nearest local Non-Native Boys & Girls Club.
Tribal Government or Native/Tribal Entity
Tribal Governed or Native/Tribal Entity Owned and Operated
The Tribe or Native/Tribal Entity is the governing body and all financial activity flows through the Tribe or the Tribal/Native Entity and serves as the fiscal agency.
Establish a 501(c)3 or Tribal-Owned 501(c)3
Standalone 501(c)3 in Indian County
A stand-alone youth nonprofit that serves as the governance and fiscal agency located within the Tribal Nation boundaries or within their own recognized jurisdictions or serves as an Urban Indian Center. It could be owned or operated by the Tribal Government or not owned.
Partnership with the Nearest 501(c)3 Native BGC Org
Native Site (Unit/Extension/Community Impact Program)
Chartered under a Native BGC organization. Local BGC Board of Directors serves as the governing body, all financial activity flows through the Native organization.
Partnership with the Nearest 501(c)3 Non-Native Org
Non-Native site (Unit/Extension/Community Impact Program)
Chartered under a Non-Native BGC organization. Local BGC Board of Directors serves as the governing body, all financial activity flows through the Non-Native organization.
Are you a Tribal, BIE School or Residential Dormitory interested in chartering a Boys & Girls Club?
A Native Boys & Girls Club advances Tribal community goals by supporting cultural preservation, academic success, and life and workforce readiness. During the time that matter most, Clubs provide safe, encouraging settings where Native youth connect with community members, engage in both traditional and innovative educational experiences, explore and learn from their natural surroundings, build meaningful relationships with peers, and receive guidance from trusted, caring adults who help them grow and thrive.
BIE/Tribal Schools/Dormitories
BIE/Tribal School/Dormitory Owned and Operated
The BIE/Tribal School/Dormitory is the governing body and all financial activity flows through the school and serves as the fiscal agency.
- Identify and secure spaces within the school or dormitory.
- Coordinate with the local school administrators to integrate structured and culturally responsive Club activities and experiences within and/or afterschool time.
- Clubs can operate before school, after-school, out of school, or a hybrid model of programming.
Partnership with the Nearest 501(c)3 Native Boys & Girls Club Organization
Native Site (Unit/Extension/Community Impact Program)
Chartered under a Native Boys & Girls Club organization. Local Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors serves as the governing body. All financial information flows through the Native organization.
Are you ready to further explore chartering a Native Boys & Girls Club?
Boys & Girls Clubs of America Native Services is excited to offer an online chartering application process designed specifically for Native organizations. We look forward to welcoming you to the Boys & Girls Clubs in Indian Country family. Before you begin, review the online chartering system instructions and FAQs to help guide you through the application process.
You’ll also find step-by-step guidance for chartering a New Organization, New Unit, or New Extension Site.
To support your planning efforts, BGCA Native Services provides a Chartering a Native Boys & Girls Club Guide filled with information and resources that can be shared with Tribal leadership and community stakeholders.
Still have questions? Contact BGCA Native Services at 404-487-5496 or bgcans@bgca.org. We’re here to help you explore chartering options and guide you through the process of chartering a Native Boys & Girls Club.
