Funding is key to sustaining or expanding your program initiatives. As the program leader, it is your responsibility to find effective ways to meet your program’s needs and overall objectives.

Consider the following strategies from the After School Investments Project to help finance your program:

• Create a budget. Before looking for new funding, prepare a detailed budget that outlines program expenses, current sources of funding and funding gaps that you hope to fill.
• Refine your program’s vision. Articulating the outcomes you hope to achieve can be key to attracting financial support.
• Familiarize yourself with the funding landscape. Identify the major sources available in your community, state and nationally. There may be a range of public, private and in-kind resources available to your program.
• Develop partnerships. Reach out to others in your community who have similar goals, which may lead to additional resources. Partners may include business leaders, schools, law-enforcement agencies, universities and faith-based organizations.
• Consider diverse funding sources. Maintain a portfolio of public and private funds to sustain your program when anyone funding source ends.
• Continually work to find funding. Plan early to ensure you have ample time to collaborate with community partners and consider the range of funding sources that may be available to your program.

Need help developing a strong financial plan for your program? Check out these free financial planning resources from The Wallace Foundation.