Creating a budget is a critical step in the process of planning and running quality out-of-school time programming. To begin, you can estimate a number for your program's overall budget within the calculator results range based on specific information, such as the value of expected in-kind goods or services. To help inform and refine your planning, this Web site provides information on and links to resources on funding and planning quality out-of-school time programs. These resources include materials on creating and refining a program budget.
Funding Sources
In planning a program, one of the biggest challenges can be identifying and securing funding. The Finance Project recommends taking five steps to get started:
- Clarify "financing for what?" In other words, define your mission, vision and objectives;
- Estimate financial needs;
- Map existing funding sources;
- Assess gaps in funding;
- Identify new funding sources and financing strategies.
There are excellent resources to help you plan a funding strategy.
Quality Strategies
Building the quality of OST programming is crucial for organizations seeking to attract and engage children and youth and help them achieve defined objectives. While program activities vary greatly, the attributes of "quality" do not. Whether planning a new program, or improving an existing one, these quality strategies and the resources for achieving them can help you deliver a program that will have a positive impact on the lives of children.
Action Elements for Out-of-School Time Systems
As you plan, advocate for or expand quality programs, you may consider the early lessons learned from a Wallace Foundation-funded initiative in five cities. This Wallace report highlights six common elements for increasing quality and participation in out-of-school time programs.