Final Grant Project
Rosi_1
Lesson1415PowerPoints.pptxLesson 14
Sustainability: How Will You Continue the Program When the Grant Funds Run Out?
The Art of Sustainability
“The art is not in making money, but keeping it.”
So it goes with the sustainability of your program. The art is not in getting the grant, but keeping the program around long after the funds are gone.
Sustainability in Tough Economic Times
“Money Don’t Grow on Trees.”
If money was no object, we could all continue successful programs without worry.
Don’t think just because a program is successful that your organization will just jump on the bandwagon when the funds are gone (i.e., school nurses, ASVAB, SRO’s, Literacy Coaches)
How to We Keep the Program Going?
You can show that other grantmakers are interested in the program
You can try to sell the program to other Government Agencies (But considering how everyone is tightening their belt these days this is highly unlikely)
Show underlying support from a larger program
Fundraising (never underestimate the power of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
And Going…and Going
Fees, dues, in-kind donations, volunteer services, etc.
Train-the-Trainer (Turnkey training) shows that you are trying to maximize your grant dollars
Have several collaborating partners to assist in funding
Your ability to sustain your program lies in differences, not in similarities. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box to keep it going.
To Request or Not to Request?
Is it a mistake to request a grant to fund a program that really will end when the grant period is over?
When programs close, someone has to take the heat from disappointed community members, politically, and staff members who are dismissed)
One Hit Wonder!
Thoughts….
What are some ways you could show that would be convincing to a grant foundation that your program won’t be a “one hit wonder”?
Give me One Good Reason!
You approach your boss with a grant idea and you and him both know it can’t be sustained past the first year.
What would be some reason why you would apply for the grant knowing you can’t sustain it in one year?
Lesson 15
Capacity: Proving That You Can Get the Job Done
Do you Have the Capacity?
It is important to be able to prove that you have the organizational capacity to handle the funds you will receive.
Whether the question is asked in the grant or not, find a way to discuss it.
Showing Organizational Capacity
The organization's history
Your success in implementing similar projects
Recognition in the community
Relationships with partners in the past
Experience in staff management and qualifications
The organizations budget
Your fiscal control procedures
Other grants you have handled
Organizational Capacity
Having a presence on the web helps to demonstrate capacity
Providing access to previous audits of other grant funds
External and Internal program evaluation reports
But I’m a School of Course we Can Handle the Grant
Schools are often thought of as “Black Holes” where grant funds are poured and no benefit is ever shown.
Often the funder wants to know how your hiring process work and may even want some say so (be sure they understand the process).
Adequacy of Resources
Don’t assume the reader knows anything about how strong your organization really is, and what “Wonderful” extras you can provide
Don’t worry about being redundant
If two questions in the grant application ask the same thing, then be redundant.
Be sure to explain what space you will provide “in-kind” to the program if received.
Resources don’t just mean money.
6 P’s of Success for Sustainability
Proper
Previous
Planning
Prevents
Poor
Performance
