4.4: Building Your Funding Mix
Once you know your funding gap, the next step is to consider how you will fund it over time. There may not be many funding opportunities labelled specifically for young caregivers. Instead, look at the broader outcomes Powerhouse® supports. Depending on the opportunity, this may include priorities related to:
- Youth mental health and well-being.
- Family caregiving.
- Prevention and early intervention.
- Social connection and isolation.
- Youth development.
- Community well-being.
- Education and school engagement.
- Support for children, youth, and families.
Think Beyond One Funding Source
A sustainable Powerhouse® program may be supported through a mix of funding and resources, such as:
|
Funding Source |
Potential Role |
|---|---|
|
Existing Organizational Resources |
Staff time, space, administration, or operating resources already available. |
|
Municipal & Local Grants |
Smaller grants that may support pilots or locally focused programming. |
|
Provincial & Federal Funding |
Program, staffing, or longer-term funding opportunities where priorities align. |
|
Foundations & Grants |
Pilot funding, program delivery, evaluation, expansion, or other project costs. |
|
Corporate & Community Giving |
Donations, sponsorships, supplies, food, activities, or other supports. |
|
Partners & In-Kind Contributions |
Space, staff expertise, referrals, supplies, activities, or other resources. |
You do not need to pursue every type of funding. Focus on the combination that makes sense for your organization, your Powerhouse® model, and the stage your program is in.
Match Funding to the Stage of Your Program
Different funding sources may serve different purposes over time.
Starting Out
Internal resources, local grants, seed funding, or in-kind contributions may help launch an initial program and understand how Powerhouse® works in your community.
Building Evidence
Early funding can also help your organization gather participation information, feedback, outcomes, and lessons learned.
Planning for Sustainability
As your program becomes established, this local evidence can strengthen your case for larger or longer-term investment.
The goal is to build a funding approach that can evolve with your program, rather than depending on one short-term opportunity.
Funders and Partners Are Not Always the Same
Some organizations may be valuable to Powerhouse® without being a source of funding. Health, disability, caregiving, education, and community organizations may be better positioned to help with referrals, outreach, expertise, space, or access to families.
As you explore opportunities, ask:
Is this organization best positioned to fund Powerhouse®, contribute resources, or help connect young caregivers to the program?
Quick Reflection 🤔
Looking at the funding gap you identified in 4.3: Which 2–3 funding or resource sources could realistically become part of your Powerhouse® funding mix?
Consider what relationships or funding streams you already have and where you may need to build something new.
★ Powerhouse® Tip: Match the funding source to what you are trying to accomplish. A smaller local or seed grant may help you get started, while evidence from early programming can strengthen your case for larger or longer-term investment later.