Sustainability Action Plan
The following sample plan shows action steps you can take during the first year. We
recommend you do at least a 12-months plan and preferable a 3-year plan.
Plan Component/Method Action Steps
Timeline
Develop Vision, Mission, Case
for Support
• Create internal staff team to guide planning
process
• Discuss with staff and community members
why this program is needed, who will
benefit, why your organization is the best
organization to undertake it.
• Identify and talk with other community
leaders who might share common or similar
vision/mission.
Months 1-3
Develop Goals and Objectives
• Develop a logic model to clarify
sustainability goals, create specific program
objectives, and identify measures to track
progress and outcomes.
Months 1-3
Research and identify potential
stakeholders
• Identify priorities such as community
engagement, strategic communication,
leadership development, governance and
management.
• Solicit ideas from other agencies, schools,
and faith communities who might share
interests with your program.
• Talk to local businesses about how your
program can benefit their interests.
Months 1-3
Initiate relationship with
potential stakeholders
• Schedule community/partner meetings.
• Select team of helpful community members,
agency representatives, and business
people to act as advisory committee.
Formulate meeting agenda.
• Prepare invitations and ask folks who
recommended individuals for your
committee to invite them personally.
• Prepare written materials for participants
outlining the program’s purpose and vision.
Language should match community
interests garnered from earlier research and
interviews with community members.
Month 4
Analyze Program Cost
• Clarify financing for services and outcomes.
• Map current spending and analyze funding
gaps.
• With staff and advisory committee, develop
financing strategies, evaluate options, and
develop recommendations.
Month 4
Continue to cultivate
stakeholders and create buy in
• Hold meetings. Include shared vision
exercise to get input and expand vision to
more stakeholders.
• Invite press to cover a meeting, highlight
participants and outcomes.
Month 5