Can we be honest about sustainability plans?
If there is one section of a grant application that feels like a creative writing exercise, it’s the Sustainability Plan.
We’ve all seen the question: “How will you fund this program once our grant ends?”
The “professional” answer usually involves vague promises of diversifying revenue, hosting a gala, or finding other magical funders. But let’s be real—if we knew exactly where the money was coming from three years from now, we probably wouldn’t be sweating this application quite so much.
Funders know this, too. They aren’t looking for a crystal ball; they’re looking for a strategy.
They want to see that you aren’t planning to rely on them—and only them—forever. They want to see that you understand the cost of your program and have a plan to keep the lights on that doesn’t involve “hoping for the best.”
A strong sustainability plan isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about demonstrating that your organization has the leadership, the community support, and the fundraising infrastructure to keep the momentum going.
Don’t just give them a fluff answer. Give them a reason to believe the program is worth the initial investment because the organization is built to last.