Following a close study of community resources, it is necessary to identify the program's target population. This means defining the theoretical basis for the program. Once the stakeholders agree on the approach, they should develop a formal mission for the program. The program mission will provide the fundamental guide for all future program decisions. In this stage mission-based strategies and solutions are developed to solve the previously identified problem.
Key stakeholders engage in creative problem solving to guide program planning.
At this point it is necessary to secure the financial and human resources necessary for the solutions to be carried out. The process of internal and external program evaluation is crucial to the ultimate success of any project. Before program implementation, outcome measures must be identified, and systems for monitoring change in the target population established. Evaluation should examine the systems and processes of program planning, development and implementation, as well as the level of success in achieving desired outcomes. The program development process never really ends.