Final answer:
The phrase 'securing funds' in the context of the sentence refers to the process of getting the money required for a project or initiative, which was particularly challenging during the Great Depression due to economic hardships and limited credit availability. The correct answer is option: getting the money.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the sentence "Again, funding this addition was not possible, especially as the Great Depression made securing funds more difficult," the phrase securing funds refers to the process of getting the money needed for a particular purpose.
During the Great Depression, economic challenges and the lack of available credit made it hard for entities, including governments and businesses, to obtain the necessary financing through loans, investments, or government grants. This difficulty was compounded by the overall scarcity of money during that time, as banks had limited funds and people's savings were at risk due to widespread bank failures.