Diversified Funding and Sustainable Program Operations
Standard 3 of the Community Evaluation Framework
Newburgh, Indiana © Joi Cuartero Austin
Overview
A successful revitalization program must have the financial resources necessary to carry out its work and sustain its operations. Program sustainability relies on diversity of revenue streams as dependency on one primary or only source could jeopardize the program’s operations. Through this Standard, Main Street programs demonstrate a priority for ensuring that the community is investing in the Main Street organization and programming efforts through a comprehensive and balanced funding structure that ensures successful and sustainable revitalization efforts.
Key Areas of Focus
Communities engaged in the Main Street Approach understand how essential these key areas of focus are for an organization’s success:
- Balanced Funding Structure
- Strategic Revenue Development and Fundraising
- Budget and Work Plan Alignment
- Financial Management and Best Practices
This Standard brings them together to the forefront as overarching priorities throughout the revitalization journey.
Dive Deeper
Watch the Standard 3 webinar below and check out our Community Self-Assessment Tool for additional information about this Standard, including details about each Focus Area’s key Indicators and examples of the types of activities that a program may use to achieve these goals.