Nonprofit Leaders: Every grant commitment eventually comes to an end. What do you need to do to prepare for a funder’s exit from your project?

How do we assure funders that we are on a strong footing once they exit?
We may have developed a plan for continuing the work or scaling it. But there are times when that may not be a realistic path.

#leaders Here are three considerations as you plan:
1. How effective or successful was the project? It is important to have evaluation data that gives you some measures of the effectiveness of the project. Not every project achieves what it intended. Some projects may need a major overhaul. Some may need to come to an end. Some will be worthy of refining and scaling. It is important not to believe that every project must continue.

2. Could this project be part of something larger rather than an end in itself? It is possible that the project may find a home within another project in your organization. Perhaps elements of the work, will find their way into your core services. There may even be partners outside your organization who might be able to carry your work forward.

3. Have you brought other funders/stakeholders into the work during the project? It is important to find other funders throughout the lifespan of the project who can contribute to its success—through funding, through expertise and even opportunities for scaling with others in the field. Engage your primary funder in bringing others to the table.

Now You: Have you been willing to let a project go?

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