FosterClub

FosterClub is the national network for young people in foster care. Although foster care provides a critical
safety net in our society for children and youth, being in foster care is generally a very difficult experience
for a young person. This is why FosterClub exists: to improve life in foster care. Our strategy engages
Lived Experience (LEx) Leaders in doing two things:

1. Provide direct support to young people who experience foster care, and
2. Drive change in the foster care system driven by lived experience.

We believe when young people have the support they need and opportunity to drive change in their life,
they become self-determined and do better. We also believe when the system listens to young people, it
does better. Our vision is that every young person who experiences foster care has what they need to
become self-determined.

FosterClub has set the following goals for the next five years (2022-2027):

GOAL 1: A strong COMMUNICATIONS platform positions FosterClub as the go-to connector/resource
for young people who experience foster care and serves as a leading conduit for those who want to
support them. Bold, strong communications contributed to FosterClub’s position in the child welfare field. However, FosterClub’s LEx Leaders, Staff and Board unanimously recognize the need to substantially build the
organization’s communications to all of our audiences: young people, child welfare stakeholders, and the
public.

GOAL 2: A resilient and sustainable LEADERSHIP structure provides a strong foundation for
FosterClub’s next quarter-century. In an effort to promote growth and remain sustainable, a strong leadership structure is critical.

GOAL 3: Dependable, unrestricted revenue streams provide FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY and
FLEXIBILITY for FosterClub. Over the past five years, FosterClub has experienced great improvements to its financial position. Staff has appreciated the generous participation and leadership of the Board in this area. There is still tremendous room for growth in diversification of revenue, including individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and product sales — all of which provide a foundation for sustainability, while also providing flexible funding to carry out the work of the organization.

GOAL 4: FosterClub doubles its REACH TO YOUNG PEOPLE, with a special focus on young people
under the age of 16. LEx Leaders from FosterClub expressed that expanding the reach of FosterClub should be viewed as top priority. As an organization, we maintain varying levels of engagement/ intervention with young people. As part of its logic model, FosterClub outlines its Ladder of Participation: Prospect (I’ve met FosterClub),
Learner (I’ve learned something), Member (I belong & contribute), and Leader (I am integral to the work).
FosterClub has made great progress on the Leader and Learner rungs, but there is much work to be done
to reach youth at the Prospect and Member levels.