Ever find yourself staring at a shrinking public health budget, wondering how you'll keep essential programs running while grant cycles end? You're not alone. In this episode of Public Health Curated, we explore how impact-shapers can navigate the complex funding landscape while staying true to their mission and values.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional public funding is just one part of a diverse funding spectrum
- Sustainability planning should start from day one, not as an afterthought
- Every public health program has hidden assets that can create value beyond current audiences
- Aligning funding models with core values is essential for mission integrity
The Mission-Aligned Funding Framework
Understanding the Full Funding Spectrum
Most public health professionals start their funding journey focused primarily on grants and government allocations. But today's reality requires a more diversified approach:
- Traditional public funding: Government grants and health department budgets
- Philanthropic funding: Foundation grants and corporate social responsibility programs
- Earned income strategies: Fee-for-service models, consulting, resource development, and social enterprise ventures
Let's be honest—sustainability planning often gets relegated to the last page of a grant proposal and the last month of a funding cycle. What if sustainability was a consistent conversation from day one?
Shifting from Scarcity to Strategic Alignment
Instead of seeing funding as "asking for money," view it as offering partnership opportunities aligned with your mission.
This perspective shift changes the key question from "Who will fund us?" to "Whose goals align with our mission, and how can we create mutual value?"
Practical Strategies for Funding Diversification
Start by conducting a "Hidden Assets Inventory." Every public health program has valuable knowledge, resources, or systems that others might benefit from.
Consider these four specific approaches:
- Digital Learning Models: Create tiered access where core content is free while premium features generate revenue
- Tiered Service Approaches: Offer basic data freely while providing advanced analysis tools through subscription
- Community-Supported Models: Adapt CSA concepts to health services with joint investment from institutions and residents
- Platform Approaches: Connect specialists with underserved providers, generating revenue through implementation support
The Values-First Funding Filter
How do we ensure new funding approaches don't compromise our mission? Use this simple filter:
- Does this funding approach advance or compromise our mission?
- How does this impact equitable access to our services?
- Are we being transparent with all stakeholders?
Consider building equity into your model through strategies like:
- "Pay-what-you-can" pricing tiers
- For every five full-price enrollments, offer one scholarship
- Create a "community dividend" where a percentage goes directly back to supporting community initiatives
Your Action Steps
- Complete a Hidden Assets Inventory: What are three things your program does exceptionally well?
- Identify potential partners: Who beyond your current audience might value these assets?
- Define the value proposition: What problem would your asset help them solve?
If you're exploring beyond traditional grants, start small:
- Begin with a single service that's already well-developed
- Test it with partners who share your values
- Build in feedback mechanisms from day one
Join the Conversation
How are you diversifying your funding approaches? What hidden assets have you discovered in your work? Share your insights using #PHCFunding and join our growing community of impact-shapers reimagining public health funding!
About the Host: Veronica Sek-Shubert, MPH, is the founder of Public Health Curated and a DrPH candidate at Tulane University. With over 15 years of experience in non-for-profit and public health spaces, she's dedicated to helping professionals rediscover their spark while creating meaningful system change.