Couple of thoughts:

1) tell program managers that you will listen to ideas but first they need to show you how the “spending” will help them improve performance to either produce future revenue or generate more grant giving
2) good time to look at some scenario planning – do some “what ifs” with the funds to show staff the full impact of their “spending” ideas
3) Don’t try to do too much at one time – set priorities and develop some reserves for future ideas