User led organisations and sustainability

Sue Dovey, Action Hampshire

What do we mean by sustainability?

Sustainability is…

• Being able to endure and survive.• It is not just about money – or

about size.

Elements that increase sustainability

• Finance• Other resources• Staff/ delivery capacity• Strong governance• Reputation• A plan

How to increase sustainability

• Cutting costs• Increase income• Change business model

Cutting costs

• Will probably not be enough alone• May reduce your capacity

Increasing income

• Find other grants• Contracts – directly or in consortia• Trading• Fundraising• All of the above

Changing the model

• Trading•Partnerships•Mergers•Closing down

Before you work with others

To be an effective partner you need to strengthen your own organisation first

Support from Action Hampshire

• Workshops on increasing/ diversifying funding

• Workshops on governance and management

• Individual organisational healthchecks• Disseminate information• Partner finder

Any questions?