Federal law assumes that states and localities will commit to providing additional new funds to match the federal grant. Sites that have accepted that federal money is flexible, but time-limited, and have used their grant to build a partnerships with multiple agencies, families and sponsors find it easier to sustain the program. Sites have been quite successful in securing funds from various state and local sources, with a heavy emphasis on government funds. Most sites rely primarily on the mental health system, although child welfare agencies also contribute significant amounts. Education and juvenile justice agencies contribute at lower levels.
Private funds are small, but often very precious to the site because of their flexibility.
Sites obtain third party payments for direct services and have garnered support from local and national foundations, local businesses, charities and community organizations, often in the form of in-kind assistance. Long-term financial stability requires that sites plan in a thorough and businesslike fashion for future funding and sponsors. Repeated reviews and revisions will then be necessary, as the plan must be adapted continually to meet new challenges. All successful sites have good leadership. In several, a single charismatic individual has been instrumental in conceiving and organizing the site.