The development of IFLA Standards is, in general, carried out through the voluntary contribution of (sometimes significant) time and financial support by or for Section Standing Committee members and other volunteers working with the relevant Section, Review Group, or other Professional Unit.

In some circumstances, additional funding from IFLA Professional Council Funds is allocated by the Professional Council to sections to ensure a standard is produced that reflects the high quality expected by IFLA members. IFLA Professional Units may request such additional funding through the normal Professional Council Project Funding process.

The Governing Board supports projects originating from the Advisory Committees. Support for the development and ongoing maintenance of the conceptual models and bibliographic standards managed by the Review Groups and other working groups reporting to the Committee on Standards is forwarded to the Governing Board after initial review by the Committee on Standards.