Tools & Resources

  • Case Studies and Analysis of Local Funding Strategies (2012)

    Drawing upon the experience of the California Cities Gang Prevention Network, this resource explores how Oakland, Salinas, and Santa Rosa have combined a range of federal, state, local and private funding streams to underwrite their comprehensive gang prevention strategies.

  • Preventing Gang Violence and Building Communities Where Young People Thrive (2010)

    This toolkit draws upon lessons learned over three years from the California Cities Gang Prevention Network, a 13-city network sponsored in collaboration with the National Council on Crime and Delinquency to identify strategies for reducing gang violence and victimization. The toolkit includes a chapter on ways in which cities are blending and braiding multiple funding streams to support their gang prevention efforts.

  • The State of City Leadership for Children and Families (2009)

    The YEF Institute's first-ever report on The State of City Leadership for Children and Families identifies the nation's most cutting-edge city strategies to help children and families thrive. Several chapters highlight innovative strategies developed by municipal officials to fund programs and initiatives for children, youth and families.

  • Financial Strategies to Support Citywide Systems of Out-of-School Time Programs (2009)

    This strategy guide, made possible by support from The Wallace Foundation, describes several options that city officials may consider for supporting and sustaining local out-of-school time programs.

  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding Briefs (2009)

    The YEF Institute prepared an overview of funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 that will or could go to municipal governments. In addition, the Institute developed more in-depth briefs describing opportunities to use the recovery package funding to advance a range of city priorities.

  • Strategy Guide on Financing Early Care and Education (2003)

    This strategy brief contains an overview of major federal and state funding sources for early care and education, and a discussion of financing options that city leaders can employ when funding early childhood initiatives.

  • Financing Transitional Jobs: A Strategic Guide to Federal Financing Sources (2003)

    This report, produced in partnership with the Finance Project, explores federal funding sources and financing options for transitional jobs programs that serve ex-offenders, homeless individuals, and youth.

  • Strengthening Families in America's Cities: Municipal Finance for Child and Family Services (2003)

    Research findings published in this report are from NLC's Strengthening Families in America's Cities Survey of municipal officials, which examined issues affecting children and families in American cities and towns. Among the findings are that funding sources for child and family services are changing; the greatest barrier to providing services is insufficient funding; and changes in state and federal funding allocations have hurt cities' ability to provide services.