Checklist
1. Determine whether the initiative or activities should be sustained.
__ The group has determined who makes decisions regarding sustainability of the initiative or its efforts.
__The group has determined the appropriate level of the initiative to be sustained. The group has determined if the initiative or the efforts of the initiative should be sustained.
__ The group has determined the intended duration or the length of time that is appropriate for the initiative or effort to be sustained.
__ The initiative has sufficient support (both internal and external) to maintain the initiative or the efforts of the initiative, if desired.
__ There is sufficient commitment from the group to maintain the efforts of the initiative, if desired.
2. Assess the current situation for sustaining the initiative.
__ The group has identified current or potential resources needed to sustain the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group currently has sufficient human resources necessary to sustain the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group currently has sufficient financial resources necessary to sustain the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group assessed its activities and products, its benefits and competition.
3. Clarify the goals and context for sustaining the efforts of the initiative.
__ The group has a clear mission and a common agenda to guide the sustainability of the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group has assessed its progress in attaining its anticipated goals and objectives related to the mission of the initiative.
__ The group has determined if the initiative’s current objective(s) need to be expanded or changed to support the sustainability of the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group has decided what aspects of the initiative or effort should be maintained or altered.
__ The group has established written goals and objectives related to sustaining the initiative or its efforts.
__ The group has determined the specific activities and services to be maintained by the initiative.
__ The group has identified the target community or population to participate or benefit from the sustained efforts of the initiative.
4. Develop a sustainability plan that includes what resources will be necessary and how they will be attained.
__ The group has established specific short-term and long-term financial goals and a budget including all projected income and expenses.
__ The group has identified specific and appropriate strategies to be used to sustain itself.
__ The group has identified the current and potential basis and sources of resources including human and financial resources.
5. Implement an action plan for sustaining the initiative or its activities.
__ The group has developed and implemented an action plan for each of the strategies and tactics chosen.
__ Action plans were developed that identified the person responsible, a clear timeline, and resources needed for implementing the components of the sustainability plan.
__ The group systematically documents the activities and results of efforts to secure and maintain resources.
__ The group regularly reviews the results of implementation in reaching its short and long-term goals for sustainability.
__The group has developed relationships and networks with potential partners including funders that may be interested in supporting the efforts of the initiative.