Generator receives "core funding" to maintain the office costs, information services, the regular Generator newsletter/blog 'The Gen' and several events from Arts Council England - North East & Arts Council England - Head office.

In addition, funds are raised towards particular programmes from a number of other sources. In recent years these have included:
The Musicians' Union - Newcastle City Council - Cumbria County Council - European Regional Development Fund - The Northern Rock Foundation - The Performing Rights Society Foundation - Youth Music - Working Neighbours Fund (Newcastle and Middlesbrough) - Big Lottery Fund (Young People's Fund 2) - Youth Opportunities Fund