Based on a study of the component parts of the mental health continuing education system, this publication presents guidelines for the following fiscal functions: determining funding needs, obtaining funds, budgeting funds, expending funds, and cost accounting. In addition to considering these components, the guidelines explore principal issues in the funding of mental health continuing education and point up strategies which may be used in developing financing patterns at national, regional, and state levels. In the first of seven sections, instructional and administrative expenses in continuing education are discussed. Section 2 examines possible sources of funds and funding mechanisms, and section 3 categorizes major budget areas and provides guidelines for the expending of funds. Section 4 reviews the cost accounting of funds according to various criteria. The following section raises issues in funding mental health continuing education. In section 6 major resources required for the provision of mental health services and strategies for expanding the support for mental health continuing education are presented. The final section summarizes the guidelines and includes the task force conclusions and recommendations. (Documents on the following aspects of mental health continuing education are also available: state level programs for preparing and using mental health manpower in state agencies [CE 019 192], sanctioning and credentialing [CE 019 195], and needs, assessment, and evaluation [CE 019 197].) (CSS)