Resource Mobilization & Sustainability Lab

Develop a comprehensive strategy for funding and sustaining your development program

1
Landscape Analysis
2
Value Proposition
3
Funding Strategy
4
Sustainability Plan

Step 1: Funding Landscape Analysis

Include all current sources: grants, donations, contracts, earned revenue
Include program costs, overhead, capacity building, and contingency
Consider unrestricted funding, overhead costs, multi-year commitments, etc.
Analyze similar organizations, their funding sources, and your competitive advantages

Landscape Research Tips

  • Research foundation databases and government funding portals for your sector
  • Analyze annual reports of similar organizations to understand their funding
  • Use GuideStar, Candid, or local foundation directories
  • Connect with other organizations to learn about emerging opportunities
  • Consider both traditional and innovative funding mechanisms

Step 2: Value Proposition Development

Focus on outcomes, impact, and what makes you distinctive
Consider your organization's history, partnerships, methodology, and team
Include quantitative results, qualitative stories, evaluations, and testimonials
Funders increasingly value community ownership and participation
Consider geographic expansion, deepening impact, or model replication
Address operational, financial, political, and programmatic risks

Value Proposition Tips

  • Focus on outcomes and impact, not just activities
  • Use specific numbers and concrete examples where possible
  • Highlight what makes you different from other organizations
  • Address funder priorities like innovation, efficiency, and sustainability
  • Include diverse voices and perspectives in your narrative

Step 3: Funding Strategy Development

Diversification reduces risk - avoid over-reliance on a single source

Bilateral Agencies

USAID, DFID, GIZ, etc.

Multilateral Organizations

UN agencies, World Bank, etc.

Private Foundations

Ford, Gates, local foundations

Government Grants

National, state, local funding

Corporate CSR

Company foundations, CSR programs

Crowdfunding

Online platforms, peer fundraising

Impact Investment

Social impact bonds, blended finance

Earned Revenue

Consulting, training, product sales

Consider application deadlines, funding cycles, and program launch dates
Consider staff training, CRM systems, proposal writing, relationship management

Funding Strategy Timeline

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Months 1-6)

Develop case for support, build systems, identify priority prospects

Phase 2: Relationship Building (Months 6-12)

Engage prospects, submit proposals, cultivate relationships

Phase 3: Portfolio Development (Months 12-24)

Diversify funding base, develop multi-year commitments

Phase 4: Sustainability (Months 24+)

Build earned revenue, develop endowment, ensure continuity

Step 4: Long-term Sustainability Planning

Financial Sustainability

  • Diversified revenue streams
  • Multi-year funding commitments
  • Earned revenue development
  • Reserve fund building
  • Cost efficiency improvements

Organizational Sustainability

  • Leadership development
  • Board governance strengthening
  • Systems and processes
  • Knowledge management
  • Succession planning

Programmatic Sustainability

  • Community ownership
  • Local capacity building
  • Government integration
  • Evidence generation
  • Adaptive management

Partnership Sustainability

  • Strategic alliances
  • Collaborative funding
  • Network participation
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Joint advocacy
Consider financial independence, program continuation, and organizational resilience
Consider fee-for-service opportunities that align with your mission
Include implementation partners, funding collaborations, and advocacy alliances
Consider leadership, systems, technology, governance, and operational efficiency
Consider funding concentration, leadership transitions, external changes
Include both quantitative metrics and qualitative indicators
Consider what should continue after your involvement ends and how to ensure smooth transitions

Sustainability Success Factors

  • Start sustainability planning from day one, not when funding runs out
  • Build sustainability into your program design and stakeholder relationships
  • Diversify across all dimensions - financial, organizational, programmatic
  • Measure and communicate your sustainability progress to stakeholders
  • Learn from organizations that have successfully made sustainability transitions
  • Balance sustainability goals with mission effectiveness - sustainability that compromises impact isn't worth pursuing