Program Expansion

Steps to Program Expansion

Step 6: Internally review organizational and community assets and resources:

• What additional services or resources can your organization offer with little or no additional staff?
• What additional services or resources can other organizations offer with little or no additional staff?
• Determine whether there are enough additional resources available for expansion.

Step 7: Determine organizational priorities:

• Rank identified expansion criteria based on organizational priorities and community input.
• Identify barriers and develop a plan to address them.
• Set target implementation date.

Step 8: Examine finances. New service areas provide both financial opportunities and challenges.

Opportunities:

• New funding opportunities may open from health departments and others. The March of Dimes may be a new funding source for some programs.
• New families can mean more volunteers and a broader financial base.
• Possible joint ventures may be possible with new partners as well as new possibilities for special events.

Challenges:

• There may be competition for local funds.
• Families may financially support other charities while receiving services from your organization.
• Stakeholders may not buy into the expansion and may reduce their financial support.

Developed by the Program Support Center at First Candle with collaborative assistance from the Sudden and Unexpected Infant/Child Death and Pregnancy Loss Centers.