Designing Community Partnerships to Expand Student Learning: A Toolki | Page 12

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO FUNDING SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS
One of the largest hurdles many schools will face in
turning their dream of community partnerships and
enrichments into reality is developing a sustainable
funding stream. The resources below can help
schools design cost structures and funding plans.

DESIGNING A FUNDING PLAN
Create a Budget

Before looking for funding, schools should
prepare a budget that includes all partner
program expenses, current sources of
funding, and funding gaps. The budget should
include materials needed for the program,
staff compensation, supplies for training
sessions, costs for evaluations or postprogram
celebrations, and unexpected costs. This
budget template and guide can help schools
determine overall program costs.

Know the Available Funding
Options

A range of local, state, and national resources
— public and private — are available. The
websites on page 13 provide valuable links to
help schools launch their search.

Develop Partnerships

Educators often reach out to other schools
and organizations in the community that have
similar goals, such as neighboring schools,
business leaders, law enforcement agencies,
social services agencies, universities, and
faith-based organizations. Strong community
support may lead to additional resources,
whether through cash or in-kind services
or by opening the door to new funding
opportunities.

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Consider a Variety of Funding
Sources

Maintaining a variety of funding, public
and private, can help sustain expanded
learning programs long term. Program fees
or community fundraising can add even more
flexibility to program budgets.

Continually Work on Funding

The beginning of the school year or near
the end of a grant is not the time to think
about a program’s long-term sustainability.
Your community partner coordinator should
consider developing a list of upcoming funding
options throughout the year so that schools
can collaborate with community partners and
consider a range of funding sources that may
be available.

District Support

Funding may also be available at the district
level that schools can tap into or qualify for in
the future.

Free and Low-Cost Options
Here are some organizations Colorado schools
have partnered with for little or no cost —
a great way to keep the budget down!
• Nonprofit organizations with room in
their budgets for outreach, such as
zoos, museums, YMCAs, or local athletic
organizations.
• Local businesses that want to give back to
the community, such as bakeries, bicycle
shops, art galleries, or bookstores.
• Service organizations and retirees, such as
the local Kiwanis Club, Lions Club, knitting
club, or other hobby groups.
• Student clubs or teams at local high
schools and colleges.