Sustain Abilities
Sustain Abilities is a multi-level capacity-building experience designed to ignite stronger board engagement, elevate staff leadership, and equip organizations to thrive for the long term. Built around the power of aligned leadership, this program helps nonprofits cultivate a healthy board culture, deepen donor relationships, and build a clear path toward financial sustainability.
Across the series, participants explore core pillars of organizational stability—capital campaign readiness, donor communication strategies, planned giving, annual appeals, and practical fundraising approaches. Each topic is translated into actionable guidance you can put into practice right away.
By the end of the program, organizations walk away with:
- A tailored financial plan designed for long-term sustainability
- A deeper understanding of the success factors that empower high-performing boards
- A practical action plan for embedding these success factors into the board and staff “DNA”.
While not required, Sustain Abilities is most impactful when organizations participate in board–staff pairs. A board president (or designated board member) and the executive director or development staff member move through the cohort together, strengthening communication, alignment, and implementation power at every level. (Outcome measurement and evaluation provided by JDLA).
Sustain Abilities consists of four advancing levels, each building on the foundational knowledge of the previous year. As organizations progress, they deepen capacity, enhance board culture, and strengthen alignment between governance and operations.
- Duration: Up to 6 sessions per level, delivered through a blend of in-person and virtual experiences over one year
- Who Should Participate: Board and staff leaders responsible for decision-making, implementation, and oversight
Duration: Six sessions over one year
Participants: Executive Director & Board Chair