Colorado Technical University Program Design and Development Discussion

Sources of Funding

In your initial post, identify two different potential sources of funding for your future program for the Riverbend City: Examining the Ruby Lake Community media piece. Explain how you will diversify the funding risks. Use the Funding Opportunity Evaluation Tool on page 251 of your Program Development in the 21st Century textbook to evaluate each potential funding source.

PG 251

Whereas an extraordinary number of funding opportunities are made available through both philanthropic organizations and the government, knowing where to look and how to thoroughly examine opportunities requires both knowledge and skills. Technology has made the process of exploring funding opportunities not only highly efficient but also highly effective. Searching for funding opportunities, evaluating funding sources, and completing applications for funding can largely be done electronically now. In addition, the federal government has moved to almost exclusive use of electronic technology for all aspects of funding, including management and monitoring of fund awards.

A major aspect of financial planning and management, the process of securing funding for your program can be quite rewarding, both figuratively and literally. Just as it is imperative that program developers possess both the knowledge and skills to competently engage in financial planning and management, they must also be able to effectively understand how funding operates, the climate of public and philanthropic funding, and how to most effectively make decisions regarding which funding opportunities to pursue. By doing so, program developers are much better postured to be successful, not only in securing initial funding but in continuing to secure funding—a key ingredient of sustainability.