The one question funders wants answered without asking

Often not part of the assessment questions but something that will give your application an edge is proof of sustainability. And not the ecological kind, although that is a bonus as well, but the longevity kind.

Funders want to know that their investment will continue to yield results long after the initial project. They want to see that the impact of their contribution won’t fizzle out once the money is spent but will continue to benefit the community in the years to come.

To increase your chances for success considerably, make sure you outline how your project will continue to operate, grow, and remain impactful beyond the initial funding period. Even if the funder is it not asking it out right, consider including information around your financial and operational sustainability, community partnerships and alignment with other community plans.

1. Plan for Financial Sustainability

A key question funders will want to know is, “How will this project continue after our funding ends?” To answer this, outline how you will secure future income or reduce costs to keep the project viable. This could include:

• Generating revenue: If possible, find ways for your project to generate its own income. For example, if you're running a community event, ticket sales, auctions or merchandise could help cover future costs.

• Securing future grants: Identify additional funding streams, including government grants, philanthropic foundations, or corporate sponsorships that align with your project’s goals.

• In-kind contributions: Demonstrate how you will leverage in-kind support from local businesses, volunteers, or community groups to reduce ongoing expenses.

Example: In Mansfield, events like the annual "Jamieson Autumn Festival" have continued over many years thanks to a mix of revenue from local sponsorships, grants, donations and volunteer support. By securing small business partnerships and in-kind contributions, they’ve managed to keep operational costs low and the event thriving year after year.

2. Build Strong Community Partnerships

A project with strong community backing has a much better chance of enduring. Funders love to see that your project is not a solo effort but part of a larger network of support. Identify local partners who share an interest in your project’s outcomes and can provide ongoing assistance, whether financial or logistical.

• Local businesses: Engage with businesses that could benefit from or support your project. This might be in the form of sponsorship, promotional partnerships, or in-kind contributions.

• Volunteers and local organisations: Ensure that there is a solid base of volunteers or local organisations that will continue to support the project. This could include schools, sporting clubs, or environmental groups.

  
  

Example: The Mansfield Armchair Cinema, a volunteer-run initiative, demonstrates the power of community backing. The cinema relies heavily on local volunteers and businesses for its operation, keeping it open and successful even after its initial setup. This collaboration has secured its ongoing role as a community asset.

3. Create an Operational Plan

Funders want to know that you have the right systems in place to keep your project running smoothly. Show that you’ve thought about how to manage day-to-day operations, long after the initial implementation phase.

• Staffing and volunteer plans: If your project relies on people, how will you continue to recruit, train, and retain staff or volunteers?

• Maintenance plans: For infrastructure projects, how will ongoing maintenance be managed? Will local government or community members take responsibility for upkeep?

• Governance: Establish governance structures, such as a board or steering committee, to oversee the project and ensure its sustainability.

  
  

Example: The Great Victorian Rail Trail, which starts at the Mansfield Station Precinct, is maintained and overseen by a collaboration between local government, the friends group, and local organisations. This mix of operational support ensures that the trail remains a valuable community asset, attracting tourists and benefiting the local economy long after its initial development.

4. Demonstrate Long-Term Community Benefits

Funders want to see that your project will continue to offer tangible benefits to the community over time. Make it clear how your project aligns with broader community goals and solves ongoing problems.

• Relevance: Ensure that your project addresses a long-term community need. Be ready to explain how your project will continue to evolve in response to changing community needs.

• Capacity building: Show how your project will help build skills, knowledge, or resources in the community that will have lasting effects.

  
  

Example: The Goughs Bay Boat Club and Community Hub redevelopment project led by the community and supported by Mansfield Shire has shown long-term benefits in the potential to grow the local economy, create new jobs and increase community participation reducing isolation. Funders, in this case State Government and The Community Bank Mansfield & District, are more likely to invest in projects that offer ongoing economic, social, or environmental benefits. The alignment with the lake Eildon Masterplan provides proof the project addresses long term community needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-reliance on future grants: While securing future grants is a legitimate strategy, funders prefer to see diverse income streams. Avoid giving the impression that your project’s future depends solely on receiving more grants.

• Lack of community involvement: If your project doesn’t engage the local community from the outset, it’s harder to convince funders of its long-term relevance. Ensure that you have proof of in-depth community engagement and strong community buy-in.

• Neglecting operational details: Funders want to see that you’ve thought through the practicalities of running your project long-term. Be sure to address how you will manage staffing, maintenance, and governance.

  
  

Whether you’re working on a tourism initiative, infrastructure project, event or community service, a well-thought-out sustainability plan is key to convincing funders that your project will make a lasting impact.

If you want to take it one step further and increase your chances again, have a think about how your project can be replicated or duplicated in other towns, leading to a multiplying effect.

When working with clients it is this type of insights we provide adding value to any application. To discuss your project, contact us via email or give us a call. We have different fee and support structures to suit your needs.