Using TANF to Finance Out-of-School Time Initiatives

"Quality out-of-school time programs are important elements of an effective system of community supports and services for families and children. The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program can be a vital source of funding for maintaining, improving, and expanding out-of-school time initiatives. This brief is designed to help policymakers and program developers understand the opportunities and challenges of effectively using TANF funding to support out-of-school time initiatives. It presents general considerations for using TANF to finance out-of-school time initiatives in light of reauthorization, explores three strategies for using TANF funding and considerations for each strategy, and provides examples of innovative state approaches."