In grant terminology, what does "sustainability" primarily refer to?

Sustainability in grant terminology primarily refers to the ability to maintain project initiatives after the initial funding has ended. This concept is crucial for ensuring that the benefits and impacts of a project continue to be realized even when the financial support from funders is no longer available. Effective sustainability planning includes strategies for securing future funding, building community support, establishing partnerships, and developing resources that allow the initiative to persist.

In contrast, initial funding support pertains only to the financial resources needed to kick-start the project, without addressing what happens afterward. The frequency of project evaluations focuses on assessing the project's effectiveness during or after implementation, rather than its longevity. The process of applying for future grants is a tactical approach to securing additional funding, but it does not encompass the broader aspect of sustaining a project over time once the initial grant concludes. Thus, the focus on maintaining project initiatives after funding highlights the essential nature of sustainability in grant management.