3 Paths to Program Sustainability
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David: There are typically three paths that an organization can take to sustain services in the face of a funding shortfall.
The first path to sustainability involves integrating the program component or service into existing programs at your agency or with strategic partners. For a Head Start program, this could mean developing a memorandum of understanding with a community partner or delegating part of the program to another agency.
Potential partners should share a compatible mission and have goals and objectives aligned with your program’s. Success in the first path depends upon identifying key services to sustain, building strong community connections and partnerships, and understanding program requirements such as budget, staffing, facilities, and supplies.
The second path to sustainability involves leveraging non-cash or in-kind resources, such as volunteers, donated space, and supplies such as buildings, furnishings, classroom and office supplies, or donated services, such as IT support, medical services, and dental services. Head Start has a rich history of actively seeking and effectively utilizing in-kind resources to bolster the program.
Success in leveraging non-cash resources for sustainability depends on clearly identifying non-cash needs, investing in the volunteer program, and maintaining a positive public profile.
The third path to sustainability involves diversifying and leveraging new revenue sources through traditional fund development, such as donor cultivation, grants, special events, and innovative, longer-impact, fund-development activities, such as social enterprise, cost recovery strategies, and fee-for-service. It’s important to note that while Head Start funds cannot be used for fundraising activities, the organization hosting the program may utilize other agency funds for these purposes.
Success depends on having a high-quality, impactful, and necessary program as well as fund development strategies that leverage organizational strengths, align with priorities and goals, and match the interest of philanthropic and local communities, all while maintaining a positive public profile.
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Learn about the three paths organizations can take to sustain services despite funding shortfalls. The first path involves integrating the program component or service into existing programs at your agency or with strategic partners. The second path entails leveraging non-cash or “in-kind” resources. The third path involves diversifying and leveraging new revenue sources through traditional fund development.
