Once organizations have identified the resources that are needed, it must also develop a plan to manage them.

Once organizations have identified the resources that are needed, it must also develop a plan to manage them. This is done in large part to the budget and financial planning. A plan is needed to help the organization thrive and be successful in reaching both its long and short-term goals. One such method is a financial sustainability plan. Although money is a huge part of the plan, it is not the only one. Financial sustainability not only looks at money obtained through grants, donations, and federal funding but also volunteer staff and shared resources from partner organizations to name a few. Much like the Strategic Plan, the Financial Sustainability plan includes objectives, strategies, and action steps to get and keep these resources. These are very concrete parts of your plan.

Initial Post: Financial solvency takes work! An important role of an administrator is overseeing the financial health of the organization through budgeting and efficient planning. Inevitably, financial shortfalls can happen and administrators are required to partner with outside agencies for assistance in meeting the demands of the community. For this discussion, assume the role of the Director of a mental health clinic. You’ve identified one of the barriers to consumers keeping their appointments is inadequate or the complete lack of transportation. You’ve located a local transportation company that is willing to provide low-cost rides to patients which will decrease the no-show rate. Discuss how creating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two organizations would be beneficial to the consumers and local community. Also, provide examples of what information should be included as part of the MOU.