Sustaining Coalitions: Key Elements

By April Brubach

Sustainability is not about hiring a good grant writer or obtaining funding that isn’t consistent with your coalition's purpose. It’s about more than money. Sustainability is about creating an effective coalition that brings together a community to develop and carry out a strategic plan that effectively addresses a relevant problem. This article is the first in a series on coalition sustainability developed by CADCA’s National Coalition Institute.

Coalitions that are short-lived due to lack of sustainability planning can create an atmosphere of distrust within the community, and can limit participation by the community in future community problem-solving efforts.

Many grant opportunities require that coalitions describe how they will sustain their efforts after funding has ended. Research in the field has found several key elements that sustained coalitions have in common and have helped promote their longevity.

As a self-improvement exercise, coalitions may consider whether or not they display these key elements. Keep in mind that successful strategies used by coalitions will vary based on the unique qualities of their community.

Leaders who take responsibility for their coalition’s success

To help the coalition succeed long-term, leaders should take responsibility for setting the public agenda for change, brokering connections among people and resources, and leveraging additional or new resources for projects.

Involvement of community leaders, community partner organizations, and a wide variety of community members

Coalitions should include key community stakeholders who are well-positioned to soften the resistance and barriers to coalition efforts. In addition, coalitions should have members that are part of the affected population. Involving those most affected, coalition efforts will be informed about problems and potential barriers to the solutions. Also, by working together with partner organizations and the private sector, coalitions can build capacity, raise community awareness, and avoid duplication of effort. All partners should be doing their part and contributing toward the effort.

Diversified funding from the start

A fundraising program should be part of the strategic plan for coalitions. Through implementation over time, coalitions become more effective at raising funds that in turn lead to a greater capacity and further increase the chances of survival. Funding can come from a variety of sources, including government, private foundations, local businesses, and in-kind donations.

Solid Infrastructure

Strong administrative functioning helps coalitions operate efficiently. It also aids the coalition’s ability to document outcomes, which can lead to additional funding.

A clear focus on the coalition’s goal

Through strategic planning, which includes the development of a clear, measurable goal, your coalition enlists all of its members to work toward a single aim. With this focus, your coalition’s efforts can become more effective at achieving community support and funders.

Address problems the community cares about and demonstrates results

In order to sustain coalitions, the interest and participation of the community and key stakeholders must be maintained. Your coalition encourages participation by effectively addressing problems that the community cares about.

Comprehensive coalition planning builds sustainability

A comprehensive plan builds coalition sustainability and includes short-term program funds and resources, communications, evaluation and data collection, training and technical assistance, fundraising, and administrative operations.

Ability to adapt to changing community needs

Coalitions need to adapt to the changing needs of the community. The problems facing a community change over time and in order to stay relevant your coalition needs to periodically “take the temperature” of the community at large.

CADCA has publications to order that are helpful in coalition sustainability:

Strategizer 36, “Coalitions 102: Leadership: Sustaining the Momentum”, and Strategizer 21, “Lessons on Coalition Building.” Both publications can be ordered online at www.cadca.org.

For further information about this topic, read:

“Sustaining Comprehensive Community Initiatives: Key Elements for Success”. Financing Strategy Brief. The Finance Project. (Apr 2002).

Lodl, K. and Stevens, G. “Coalition Sustainability: Long-Term Successes & Lessons Learned”, Journal of Extension, Vol 40, No 1 (Feb 2002).

“Sustainability Planning Workbook”, The Finance Project, July 2003, Cost $125.