Based at Nashville Public Library, the Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA) seeks to increase equitable access to afterschool and summer learning experiences for youth in Nashville.  Each year, the Mayor and the Metro Council approve funds for these investments in communities, and the funds are then distributed by NAZA with operational and capacity-building supports, including meals and snacks, bus transportation, professional development, evaluation services, and technical assistance.

NAZA funding opportunities are announced on this NAZA website. The providers are selected based on their applications. The providers must commit to NAZA’s systemic approach of professional development and program quality as well as program expectations and data-sharing to qualify for NAZA funding. Providers work with NAZA team, trainers, and assessors throughout the year for continuous improvement. The proposals are evaluated based on the criteria set in the call for proposals. Additionally, for all returning partners, performance indicators from the previous year, such as youth attendance, retention, as well as compliance with quality assessment process and data collection, contribute to the final score of the application.

For the 2024-2025 fiscal year, NAZA has awarded funds to 21 nonprofit and community-based organizations and Metro Parks for providing afterschool and summer programs through engaging activities that develop social, emotional, cognitive, and academic skills, as well as co-creating youth leadership opportunities.