1. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com1 SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING Ensuring the Long-Term Growth and Vitality of Your Ministry

2. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com2 How Would You Answer? Provide a plan for continuing/sustaining the Program after grant funding ends. Include specific steps that will be taken to find/provide the necessary resource base for your program.Provide a plan for continuing/sustaining the Program after grant funding ends. Include specific steps that will be taken to find/provide the necessary resource base for your program.

3. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com3 Guiding Principles Bottom Line FocusBottom Line Focus Results FocusResults Focus Systems FocusSystems Focus God wants you to succeedGod wants you to succeed

4. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com4 Definitions sus·tain (s-stn) tr.v. sus·tained, sus·tain·ing, sus·tains To keep in existence; maintainTo keep in existence; maintain To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for.To supply with necessities or nourishment; provide for. To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop.To support from below; keep from falling or sinking; prop. To support the spirits, vitality, or resolution of; encourage.To support the spirits, vitality, or resolution of; encourage. [Middle English sustenen, from Old French sustenir, from Latin sustinre : sub-, from below; see sub- + tenre, to hold; see ten- in Indo-European Roots.] - sus·taina·bili·ty n. / sus·taina·ble adj. / sus·tainer n. / sus·tainment n.

5. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com5 Definitions II Sustainability Plan A clear, sensible, convincing plan for assembling and connecting the key elements necessary for long-term growth and organizational excellence.A clear, sensible, convincing plan for assembling and connecting the key elements necessary for long-term growth and organizational excellence.

6. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com6 Sustainability: Key Elements 1.Compelling Vision 2.Strong (Internal) Leadership 3.(External) Champions and Decision-Makers 4.Effective Internal Systems 5.Results Orientation

7. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com7 Sustainability: Key Elements 6.Broad Base of Community Support 7.Diverse, Multiple Funding Sources 8.Fiscal Stewardship 9.Adaptability

8. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com8 Process: Preparation 1.Organization Assessment a)Internal Documentation b)Board / Staff Survey and Interviews c)Client Input Sessions 2.External Assessment a)Community Needs b)Community Assets c)Sector Trends d)Best Practices e)Current “Forces”

9. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com9 Process: Analysis Current State of the Organization 1.Key Strengths 2.Key Opportunities for Improvement (OFI) 3.Strategic Challenges

10. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com10 Process: Planning 1.Vision, Or “Where do we want to be?” 2.Strategic Directions, Or “How will we get there?” 3.Gap Analysis/Capability Review, Or “Do we have what we need to accomplish the strategies? If not, how will we access it?” 4.Action Timelines, Or “Who will do what, when?” 5.Benchmarks and Feedback Loops, Or “How will we know if we are making progress?”

11. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com11 Implementation Working Your PlanWorking Your Plan Feedback Loops/Internal AccountabilityFeedback Loops/Internal Accountability Plan Revision (On the Fly)Plan Revision (On the Fly) Outside AssistanceOutside Assistance –Monitoring –Coaching Measurable ResultsMeasurable Results

12. First Steps Training & Development, Inc. (800) 211-0871 www.FirstStepsTraining.com12 Additional Resources CTC Sustainability Toolkit http://www.americaconnects.net/research/LTC_Tool Kit/index.shtmlCTC Sustainability Toolkit http://www.americaconnects.net/research/LTC_Tool Kit/index.shtml Sustaining Comprehensive Community Initiatives (The Finance Project) http://www.financeproject.org/Sustaining.pdfSustaining Comprehensive Community Initiatives (The Finance Project) http://www.financeproject.org/Sustaining.pdf The Afterschool Alliance’s Sustainability Workbook http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/sustain.pdfThe Afterschool Alliance’s Sustainability Workbook http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/sustain.pdf The Mississippi Quality Awards http://www.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/mqa.htmlThe Mississippi Quality Awards http://www.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/mqa.html