While growth in U.S. community colleges has been significant, a primary challenge associated with growth has been the source of funding, which is comprised of tuition, local taxes and state aid. There has been a significant shift away from state funding towards fundraising and higher tuition costs which presents challenges. The shift away from state funding could threaten the community college mission of access and opportunity and lead to higher education becoming more of a private good rather than a public good. With a framework of resource dependency theory, this qualitative interview study with eight CEO's of Kansas community colleges explores strategies used to adapt to changes in funding. Participants were selected based upon institutional size classification, and data from the interviews was analyzed to identify recurring themes. Findings indicate a need for strategies to replace state funding. Fundraising, grants, entrepreneurial efforts and partnerships with industry were primary themes which emerged. This theory outlines that rising tuition and educational costs may hinder the community college mission and that alternative revenue strategies must be developed for the future of community colleges. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]