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:  Vision  Results Orientation  Strategic Financing Orientation  Broad Base of Community Support  Key Champions  Adaptability to Changing Conditions  Strong Internal Systems  Sustainability Plan Sustainability 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 Needs  Map Current Funding (Cash and In-kind)  Assess Gaps  Identify Financing Strategies & Funding Sources  Aim 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 Resources  Maximizing Federal and State Funds  Building Public-Private Partnerships  Creating More Flexibility in Existing Funding Sources (e.g., coordination)  Creating New Dedicated Revenue The 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 Dr. Jarle Crocker Senior Program Associate The Finance Project