---
myst:
  html_meta:
    "title": "Allocate funds"
    "description": "Step-by-step guide for allocating funds to OpenSPP social protection programs, including fund posting and scheduling."
    "keywords": "OpenSPP, fund allocation, program funds, budget, social protection"
---

# Allocate funds

This tutorial covers the step-by-step procedure on how to allocate funds for a project.

## Prerequisites

To allocate funds for a project, you need to:

- Have a **System Admin** or the appropriate program user role that enables you to create programs and allocate funds. Learn more in this guide: {doc}`../administration/user_access`.
- Have existing individual records in your registry, either by creating records manually or importing records into OpenSPP. Learn more in this guide: {doc}`../registry_management/import_export_registrant_data` or {doc}`../registry_management/register_individual`.
- An existing Program. Learn more in this guide: {doc}`create_program`.

## Objective

After completing this guide, you will understand how to allocate funds to a program, including setting reference numbers, specifying amounts, and scheduling fund postings. You will be able to navigate the Program Funds page and ensure funds are allocated correctly for entitlements and program cycles.

## Process

### Allocate funds to selected program

Cash entitlements require allocated funds in order to be successfully approved and it is therefore a prerequisite to configure the fund allocation for a selected program before approving entitlements.

After clicking **Programs**, select **Accounting** from the toolbar, and select **Program Funds** from the drop-down list.

![Programs menu showing Accounting dropdown with Program Funds option highlighted](allocate_funds/1.png)

You will be directed to the Program Funds page to set up the program fund.

![Program Funds page interface showing empty fund allocation form with fields for reference number, program selection, and amount](allocate_funds/2.png)

When available, a reference number may be inputted manually into the **Reference Number** field.
Otherwise, leaving this field empty will automatically set a reference number upon fund posting.
From the **Program** dropdown, you may select by clicking on an existing program.
Input the budget amount in the **Amount** input field.
Click **Post** to confirm the fund posting.

A pop-up message should appear, verifying that the funds have been posted.

![Success notification popup confirming that funds have been successfully posted to the program](allocate_funds/3.png)

You may also modify the **Date Posted** field to post the funding on a later date.
Click on **Date Posted** and select a future date.
Skip clicking on the **Post** button, then click on **Save manually** button.
The funds will be posted on the desired date inputted.
Please note, clicking on the Post button automatically sets the **Date Posted** field to the current date.