Development activities must be planned to support the programs. Not only do they raise money, but you have a great chance to educate them about the issues you are working to solve - with their support. Evaluate your results. Assess what went well and what went badly in every project as each is completed. When you are unable to secure all the needed funds from within your own community, foundation grants and government grants and contracts can help.
Many foundations are interested in helping reputable community groups in meeting local needs.
Competition for funding can be stiff. Generally, all funding organizations like to see an organized plan or proposal for upcoming activities and expenditures. The solution proposed. Documentation of the group's ability to carry out the objectives. Financial needs associated with the request, including evidence that the effort will not rely solely on the funder's support.