Chapter 14 Developing and Managing Agency Resources
April 14, 2026 • 20:03
Chapter 14, “Developing and Managing Agency Resources,” focuses on the essential skills social workers need to secure and manage the human, technological, and financial assets required for effective service delivery. This episode explores professional communication strategies for working with the media—such as news releases, interviews, and editorials—to inform the public and advance social, economic, and environmental justice. We discuss the critical role of technology and management information systems (MIS) in maintaining client databases, using spreadsheets for budgeting, and evaluating agency effectiveness. The discussion also covers diverse fund-raising methods, ranging from traditional donor solicitation and special events to modern web-based crowdfunding. Furthermore, we differentiate between grants (funding for specific projects) and contracts (agreements to provide services for payment) and provide a comprehensive guide to the grant-writing process, detailing how to draft problem statements, measurable objectives, and line-item budgets. By mastering these resource-management skills, generalist practitioners can ensure their organizations remain accountable, sustainable, and capable of meeting the needs of diverse client populations