Sustainability Planning

A Framework for Strategic Financing

Agenda

Eight Principles of Sustainability Five Steps for Developing a Strategic Financing Plan Five Financing Strategies

Principles of Sustainability Sustainability is about more than dollars. Key

elements of sustainability include:VisionResults OrientationStrategic Financing OrientationBroad Base of Community SupportKey ChampionsAdaptability to Changing ConditionsStrong Internal SystemsSustainability PlanSustainability Planning Workbook, The Finance Project

Vision and Results What do you want to sustain?

◙ Activities? Initiatives? Programs? Partnerships?◙ At what scale? ◙ Over what timeframe?

How will you measure progress?◙ A strong vision and results orientation are important to convince

funders and other stakeholders to invest in your initiatives. ◙ Look to your existing logic model. ◙ Do the activities or programs that you want to sustain result in

desired outcomes (changes in knowledge, attitudes, behavior, functioning, skills, etc. at individual and/or systems levels)?

◙ Efforts that lead to positive changes for individuals, communities, and partners may be better positioned to achieve long-term sustainability.

Sustainability Planning Workbook, The Finance Project

Strategic Financing

A strategic financing orientation is an essential element of sustainability.

Clarify “Financing for What?” Which elements of your initiative, program, partnership, etc. are you seeking to fund.

Estimate Costs/Resource NeedsMap Current Funding (Cash and In-kind)Assess Gaps Identify Financing Strategies & Funding SourcesAim for a balanced portfolio of funding sources.

Sustainability Planning Workbook, The Finance Project

Financing Strategies

A financing plan for long-term sustainability is diversified. Consider a mix of financing strategies:

Making Better Use of Existing ResourcesMaximizing Federal and State FundsBuilding Public-Private PartnershipsCreating More Flexibility in Existing

Funding Sources (e.g., coordination)Creating New Dedicated RevenueThe Finance Project, Sustainability Planning Workbook; Thinking Broadly

Beyond Funding:Community Support & Organizational Capacity Sustainability also requires nonfiscal resources: Support from policymakers, the public, and other key

stakeholders. Engagement of state agencies, community

organizations, providers, parents or other community members.

Key champions including leaders from business and government.

Leadership from management and others. Strong administrative, financial and information

management systems. Effective governance structures and personnel systems.

Sustainability Planning Workbook, The Finance Project

Contact Information

The Finance Project

www.financeproject.org/

Dr. Jarle CrockerSenior Program AssociateThe Finance ProjectJcrocker@financeproject.org202-587-1008