Potential funders what to know that you are thinking beyond their funding; they want to know your plans for the time when their funding comes to and end. HARD TRUTH - ALL FUNDING EVENTUALLY ENDS. The Sustaining Strategies are about how you know your project will last beyond the initial start up funding.
Funders pay more attention to this section than you realize. They want to take pride in helping to start and like you they want to make sure that project has impact and doesn't suddenly end or fade away.
If you are requesting money for a simple capital project (Example in simple terms: you are buying a park bench), just tell the funders you have basic needs and don't have many sustainability needs with large cash flow. "After the purchase of the initial bench, the item is expected to have a life cycle of 30 years. In that time, the organization will find a way to fund future needs through the annual fund."
For projects that are larger and ongoing, you do need to clearly define new sources you will be continuing to solicit as future funders and / or ways you will work to help fund yourself. Here are some options (and possible phrases) you should consider using:
- Continuation grants from foundations and corporations.
- Annual campaigns.
- Fees for service.
- Sales of items or activities.
The more specific you are in this section, the more confidence you will inspire in potential funders that the project will continue beyond their grant, maximizing the impact of their investment.
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