Finding resources for your program may be your toughest task. Here are some tips on how to steer your approach to getting funding:

Make a plan.
Start from your mission statement and strategic plan. Allocate adequate time to meet with stakeholders, review data and do some thinking about a plan to sustain (and possibly grow) your program. Sources related to planning for sustainability and finding funds may be found here.

Gather data and plan to gather more.

Plan to evaluate. Few programs get funded without showing that they are serving a real need and are able to perform. Expansion and even continuation is usually impossible without evidence of quality.

Organize data you already have (waiting list numbers, etc.) and community interest as well as the value of what you are already delivering. Use data from organizations like the United Way to help establish need. Check out the Network's Best Practice Guidelines and Self-Assessment Tool to assess what you are now doing. The Network also offers training in using the Guidelines and Tool to get the most out of them.

Think "Sustainability"

To create a program that works, your sustainability plan should be specific. Where will you seek funds? How can you use in-kind resources? Who are your logical partners? Who will approach donors and /or write proposals? How can you take the long view to stay in business?