Is it clear how the project will continue to be delivered or potentially expanded after initial grant funding comes to an end, and are participants given the motivations, skills, knowledge, tools and autonomy to implement the initiatives, and/or reduce the need to repeat the same activities with the same cohort of beneficiaries in the future?
What are we looking for?
We are looking for evidence of a positive feed-forward learning loop where learning and experience from ongoing delivery is used to improve future delivery – embedding approaches into existing working practices, building internal capacity and using existing resources more effectively etc. This could be through increases in efficiency and cost reduction, or improvements in quality and/or scope of the project.
We also want to understand the longer-term sustainability of the project outcomes. Is there a long-term legacy whether in terms of physical outcomes e.g. improved natural environment through building a pond or allotment, or more “soft” outcomes e.g. improved community cohesion or improved employability skills? Or Is the project embedded and progressive, which allows participants to advance to other activities or develop their skills further and potentially take ownership of the project for the benefit of themselves and their peers?
This principle is assessed in the following questions:
- 2d: How have participants been involved in the development of this project?
- 4e: Are there any plans to continue the project after the grant has come to an end?
- 5d: Please explain how you will ensure a “legacy” as part of this project. How will your project outcomes be sustained after the grant period?
How can this be demonstrated?
Embedding:
- How the project aligns with existing practices
- List of other funding sources to take over from OT
- Plans for the work to be ‘business as usual’
- Integrated into school development plans
Empowerment:
- Consideration of different levels of project outcomes – short-term vs long-term. What will participants take away with them after taking part in your project?
- Consideration of how participants can be “upskilled” to take ownership and/or greater involvement in the project, transitioning from service users to active stakeholders. E.g. “Train the trainers” where earlier cohorts become trained to deliver the activities to newer cohorts.
- Examples of capital expenditure e.g. equipment purchase which could be reused in the future.
Why is this important?
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.
– Lao Tsu
