The key point is to find a synonym for 'secure' in the given context. The correct answer is A because 'guarantee' means to make certain that something is achieved, which aligns with the idea of securing funding. Option B is incorrect because 'decrease' means to make less or reduce, which is the opposite of securing. Option C is incorrect because 'ignore' means to pay no attention to, which is not related to securing funding. Option D is incorrect because 'consume' means to use up, which is not related to the context of securing funding.