What does the "20/20 rule" in grants management suggest?

The "20/20 rule" in grants management emphasizes the importance of sustainability of project operations beyond the life of the grant funding. Specifically, it suggests that a project should have a plan for sustaining its operations after the grant has ended, ideally allowing for continued benefits or impact from the project. This principle encourages organizations to think critically about how they will maintain activities and support for the community or population served once the initial funding period concludes.

Focusing on sustainability ensures that grants don’t just provide temporary solutions but foster long-term change and support. Organizations are typically encouraged to include strategies for future funding, partnerships, or revenue-generation plans in their grant proposals, aligning with this aspect of the 20/20 rule.

The other options do not accurately reflect this principle. The limitation on the duration of grants, evaluation requirements, or budget allocation percentages do not embody the essence of the sustainability focus inherent in the 20/20 rule. Understanding this rule helps grant managers assure that the initiatives funded will have lasting impacts even after financial assistance ceases.