Introduction

Thinking Strategically about Sustainability

This introduction provides information on how to think strategically about sustainability in preparation for mobilizing resources. Before embarking on a campaign to mobilize resources, an organization may want to consider some of these points.

What is sustainability?

As resources become more limited and demand increases, the topic of how to sustain a program is of utmost importance. The pathway of moving a program toward sustainability is not an easy one—there are no quick solutions and it takes a concerted, deliberate effort to achieve sustainability.

There are different interpretations regarding the meaning of the word 'sustainability.' Most professionals define the word in terms of financial sustainability: diversifying revenue streams so as not to become overly dependent on a limited number of funding sources.

This section was written by Jack Boyson, Director of Technical Support Services, International Youth Foundation.

• How would you know if a program is financially sustainable or not?
  
  
• Is sustainability only about income?
  
  
• Besides financial sustainability, are there other types of sustainability?
  
  
• How are strategic planning and sustainability linked?
  
  
• What is the single most important strategy to financial sustainability?