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Questions About Funding
How do I answer a grant application question about sustainability?

Sustainability refers to a program's continuation once grant funding has ended. Most funders want to know that you have a plan for continuing the much-needed program you are describing.

The ideal plan for future funding is that you won't need any - the grant will start you off and then the program will become self-sustaining or will be added into the district's overall operating budget. Or, even better, you will have solved the problem and there is no foreseeable need for further funding. However, none of these is likely to be the case. Even if your grant request is for a one-time equipment purchase, you will have ongoing maintenance, repair, operating, and eventual replacement costs.

Avoid vague statements such as "the district will make a determined attempt to seek other funds." Instead, present a plan that appears possible to achieve:

The state legislature or federal government has approved funding for similar initiatives in the coming year,
The district has agreed to consider re-allocating funds from elsewhere in the budget once the new program proves its value,
This program lends itself to an annual event that can generate revenue from the community,
You will pursue a collaborative venture with another district as a new source of support, or
A corporation is relocating to your area, bringing both new tax revenues and the possibility of a significant donation.

Think broadly! A funding source won't expect a guarantee of future funding, but it will expect a plan that has been thought through and is appropriate for the district.

Do you have a question about grants and funding? E-mail it to funding@voyagerlearning.com. 		QAFs
Questions about Funding

I am working on a state grant application that cannot exceed 50 pages. How many pages should I allow for each of the required sections of the application (objectives, approach, evaluation, etc.)?

Should each section have an equal number of pages?
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How do I answer a grant application question about sustainability?
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