In the current tight fiscal environment, it is critical for state and community leaders to think broadly and systematically about how to finance important education, family, and child services, and community development initiatives. This guide presents a conceptual framework for financing child and family services and community building and development. Five major strategies are presented, each including examples drawn from initiatives around the country and highlighting relevant considerations to assist decision makers in similar programs or initiatives. Following introductory remarks, the guide details principles to assist investments in families, children, and youth. The five key strategies then presented are: (1) making better use of existing resources; (2) maximizing federal and state revenue; (3) creating more flexibility in existing categories; (4) building public-private partnerships; and (5) creating new dedicated revenue streams. (Lists additional resources on financing strategies. Contains 29 endnotes.) (KB)