The authors of this guide have expertise in federal education policy and funding. Their sources for the publication include a review of research literature, conversations with national and local leaders in the out-of-school-time field, and an analysis of statutory language regarding the purpose and allowable uses of federal funding, and relevant guidance documents. 

The guide identifies a broad variety of federal funding streams that providers, districts, summer and afterschool intermediaries, municipal government leaders, and state government leaders can tap to support equitable access to high quality programs. Section 1 of the guide compares key federal funding sources by intended use within afterschool and summer programs. Section 2 provides additional information for each of those funding sources. Section 3 lists additional publications and resources.