April 2009

Bright Idea: Business Models

Mentors Bring Relevance to Entrepreneurship Education

Many young people have had few opportunities to take charge of their lives. Youth-serving organizations have found that gaining the skills needed to run a small business can help young people feel in charge. Plus, knowing how to manage money, understand supply and demand, market products and work in a team will come in handy for youth far beyond an entrepreneurship class—in school, in their personal lives and in their future careers.

Primary Sources: Tough Times for Families and Youth

When times get tough, programs that serve families and youth find themselves in a difficult spot: More people need more help, but at the same time, funding for social services begins to dry up. So say a trio of recent publications addressing the effects of the economic and housing crises on vulnerable families and at-risk youth. (Publications discussed here do not necessarily reflect the views of NCFY, the Family and Youth Services Bureau, or the Administration for Children and Families.)

Right on the Money: Diversify, Diversify, Diversify

When youth-serving organizations rely on just one source of funding, they can find themselves at risk during tough economic times. "An organization must diversify its funding streams in order to survive and thrive," says Ann McCaw, principal consultant at One Bright Bird Consulting, which advises nonprofit organizations on fund raising. "No donor will be around forever."

National Clearinghouse on Families & Youth | 5515 Security Lane, Suite 800 | North Bethesda, MD 20852 | (301) 608-8098 | ncfy@acf.hhs.gov