In Nigeria the programme is funded and sponsored by the federal government. Project implementation is highly dependent on this funding and on state and local cooperation in acquiring land and other resources. In Mexico, general funding was provided at a national level from 1978. Although many students were initially paid a minimum wage for their service, this was greatly reduced from 1980 following an economic crisis. Government departments and agencies still share in financial support of students, while communities sometimes provide housing and food.
Universities also provide funds, sometimes supplemented by non-governmental funding.
In Nepal the programme was funded by government through the university budget and supplemented by Unicef. The AmeriCorps programme is an exception to those described above in that the private, public and independent sectors all contribute to the implementation of programmes. In addition, millions of dollars of in-kind contributions in the form of loaned personnel, training facilities, computer networks and supplies have integrated private sector partners into the daily activities of AmeriCorps programmes. In cases where government was the sole funder of national youth service, many countries found it difficult, if not impossible, to sustain continued levels of funding. Those who succeed in doing so have largely been the wealthier countries.