Sustainability
Your Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) Initiative’s good work—and positive outcomes—should continue after your federal funding ends. SS/HS grants are intended to create systemic change and enhance the capacity of communities to prevent violence and substance abuse and support the mental health of young people. An SS/HS Initiative should leave a legacy of effective services, enhanced collaboration and service integration, improved health, and reduced risk.
The work of leaving such a legacy is called sustainability. Many equate sustainability with finding “the next grant” to support services developed through SS/HS funding. However, a broader view of sustainability involves using various strategies to maintain the positive outcomes of your initiative, which may or may not include funding strategies. Working toward sustainability requires time, energy, focus, and creative problem solving. It is the project director’s responsibility to lead and involve others in sustainability efforts.
Legacy WheelThe enduring work of the National Center and its grantees is testament to our vision: together, we can sustain our work, even when grant funding ends. | PolicyEvery community and state has a variety of formal groups that create policy by defining priorities for health and mental health services. |
FinancingMany people equate sustainability with obtaining additional program funding. |
