Become sustainable
Initiatives will fail without access to funding and sustained support
within their communities. Commercial activities not only provide local
employment but also offer initiatives an alternative to traditional
fundraising activities and/or grant funding. It will, however, require time
and core funding to become viable:
- Develop a business plan/strategy to determine how your Dementia Friendly Compassionate Community initiative will operate in practice. Consider the issue of poverty which is often hidden in rural areas.
- Embrace the idea of having core funding to enable resources to be used to achieve outcomes rather than spending precious time generating income.
- Work towards financial self-sustainability by involving the entire community in driving forward a vision to put profits back into the community.
- Actively target relevant local and national funding schemes.
- Anticipate and prepare for forthcoming funding opportunities .
- Avoid or reduce longer term reliance on discretionary funding sources, e.g. charitable grants.
- Set up programmes in collaboration with community clubs around creative activities, support and training etc. to generate income.
- Sustain enthusiastic support for activities by involving beneficiaries in the decision-making process: people and communities are more likely to get behind a cause or initiative for which they feel some ownership.
- Plan succession to ensure your vision lives on, with reference to staff, volunteers and funding.