In 2025, funders ask more than “What do you need?” They’re asking, “What will last?”
While strong program design and compelling data still matter, sustainability has taken center stage. Funders want to know that your impact won’t vanish once their grant cycle ends. But sustainability means more than fundraising plans and hopeful promises—it’s about long-term vision, structural stability, and real-world adaptability.
Here’s what funders are looking for this year and how you can reflect that in your next grant proposal. In today’s funding landscape, sustainability signals that your organization is:
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Strategically grounded – Your project aligns with your long-term mission and organizational plan.
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Financially diversified – You’re not relying on a single funding source or scrambling when grants expire.
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Operationally strong – Your leadership, staffing, systems, and partnerships are built to support the work long after the grant ends.
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Community-driven – Your program has local buy-in and relevance, making it more likely to endure and evolve.
Want to see how funders define sustainability themselves? Check out this article from the National Council on Aging (NCOA) on building sustainability and overcoming barriers to it.
When funders ask about sustainability, they’re really asking:
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Can this work survive without our grant?
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Are you building something lasting, or just running a short-term initiative?
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Is your organization prepared to adapt to future challenges—economic, social, or political?
Your proposal needs to answer these questions clearly and credibly. Here are five strategies to make your sustainability section stand out:
Start Early, Not at the End
Sustainability shouldn’t be an afterthought. Reference your long-term plans throughout the proposal—especially in your goals, staffing, partnerships, and evaluation sections.
Be Specific and Financially Realistic
Avoid vague promises. Include funding projections, cost-reduction plans, or examples of how you’ll shift expenses over time. Example: “By Year 3, 40% of the program’s budget will be offset by earned revenue from workforce training contracts.”
Highlight Strategic Partnerships
Collaborations show shared investment and resourcefulness. Whether it’s an MOU with a school district or a community partner providing in-kind support, partnerships increase the likelihood of long-term success.
Invest in Organizational Capacity
Share how you’re building internal systems—like leadership development, tech infrastructure, or evaluation tools—that make your work more sustainable over time.
Show Flexibility and Resilience
Describe how your organization has weathered past challenges or adapted to change. Funders respect agility just as much as planning.
Make It Real
Funders in 2025 are more discerning than ever. They’ve seen the generic “we’ll seek other funding” response—and it’s no longer enough. They want to invest in initiatives that are built to last and backed by a clear path forward.
So ask yourself: Are you painting a picture of survival or sustainability?
Need help crafting a compelling sustainability section for your next proposal? Visit GrantSmarts Consulting to learn how we help nonprofits secure grants by telling a story that funders can believe in.
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