The Summer Fund offers many benefits for both camps and donors.

Some of the benefits for camps include:
Operational support: Camps greatly appreciate the opportunity to receive support that is flexible enough to meet their individual operational needs because funding for staff, supplies and general expenses is limited.

Time savings: When searching for funding for their summer programs, organizations only have to fill out one grant application. Feedback from camps has indicated that not only is this a huge time-savings, but having the application deadline in December prompts the applying organization to begin their summer planning process early.

Workshops and networking opportunities: Using feedback from the camps’ final reports and site visits, the Summer Fund offers workshops and networking opportunities throughout the year that address common issues or trends in the field. For example, the Summer Fund held the Peace Games workshop in June 2007, which dealt with conflict resolution.

Additional support programs: The Homeless Campership Fund, the Cultural Day Initiative and the Educational Initiative are designed to provide support above and beyond the operational grant camps receive. Ultimately, the goal is to provide camps with the resources they need to build the highest quality, most well-rounded summer programs possible.

Discounts: In terms of supplies, the Summer Fund camps received discounts and free shipping from S&S Worldwide, an arts & crafts and recreational equipment vender. This discount is available to the camps year-round, thereby benefiting many after-school programs.

Some of the benefits for donors include:
Thorough review process: Every year, each camp must submit a proposal that includes complete budget and audit information. The Fund’s committee and staff analyze proposals, funding history and site visit reports as part of the review process. This review process ensures that the most appropriate camps are funded.

Increased dollar value: By pooling resources, donors provide camps with much needed operational dollars. Donors also contribute to a network of camps that are stronger because of the extra support and opportunities that the Summer Fund generates.

Coordination: Having one central fund focused on summer camps allows AGM to ensure that no one camp is under funded or over funded. Donors know that their funds will be distributed in a fair and equitable manner.

Flexibility: A system is in place that allows funders to contribute to either the general Fund or one of the specialized programs within the Summer Fund, such as the Homeless Campership Fund, the Educational Initiative and the Cultural Day Initiative.

Evaluation: The Committee takes very seriously the responsibility of evaluating the camps it funds. Site visits are done on a regular basis and all camps must submit a detailed final report in September.