The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is announcing the release of "Sustaining Grassroots Community-based Programs: A Toolkit for Community and Faith-based Service Providers." Grassroots community and faith-based treatment and recovery providers are concerned about continuing critical services for people affected by substance abuse and mental health disorders. This toolkit is designed to help these organizations plan for long-term survival.  

Time-limited grant funding and categorical funding put grassroots organizations in the position of searching for funds to cover program expenses. Resources are needed to sustain and support program services over time. Sustainability is about maintaining and continuing program services after a funding period is over and ensuring that the organization has become a permanent part of community resources. 

Sustainable community organizations have solid and strong foundations. Organizations need healthy, realistic, and effective organizational structures; sustainable plans or strategies; solid and continuous financial support; adequate and qualified staff; and ongoing effective strategies for marketing and fund development.  

Providing helpful information to guide sustainability planning efforts, the toolkit has samples of tools and fill-in-the-blank planning templates and worksheets. It contains six booklets that cover:

• strategic planning
• organizational assessment and readiness
• effective marketing strategies
• financial management
• fund development and fund raising
• results-oriented evaluations

Each component provides strategic, practical, and useful information to begin the sustainability planning process.

The kit is free and available to download online, or up to five printed copies can be ordered by calling 1-877-SAMHSA-7 (1-877-726-4727). Request order number SMA08-4340.