Develop Project Sustainability Plan (by end of YR1)

[jessbeutler]

At the end of the first year, we hope that the dust is settled and we can start looking towards not only the long term sustainability of your project, but also your blue sky goals. This plan is not a requirement in the Charter Project agreement, but we highly encourage you to complete this plan at the end of your first year. This will not only help guide your project, but will also help OpenStreetMap US provide the correct support. We recommend including the following components:

💡 Long Term Vision

Start scoping out the long term vision for the project. With current resources, where would you like to see the project in 3 years? 5 years? If you had unlimited resources, what would you want to achieve? Thinking in terms of both practical and aspirational goals will help shape your activities from year to year.

⚙️ Contribution & Maintenance

What is your plan for maintaining the project and encouraging community contribution? Consider the capacity of your volunteers and advisory board to identify any risks or gaps that either exist or could develop in the future. Also consider answering questions such as:

• Who will ensure the regular maintenance of the project? Who will be responsible for documentation or managing reported issues?
• Does your project pass the bus factor?
• Do you want to grow your volunteer base to a target number, or to include certain skill sets?
• Would access to certain events, such as conferences or hack-a-thons, help grow your volunteer and contributor base?
• Are there resources or outreach OpenStreetMap US can assist you with to support contribution and maintenance needs?

💸 Hands-on Fundraising

Assess your current fundraising status and needs. Consider the following questions:

• What resources do you need to maintain your project’s status quo?
• Is hands-off fundraising currently meeting those needs?
• What resources would you like to have to meet larger project goals?
• Are there funding sources that you could be pursuing, such as grants, to meet those goals or needs?
• Are there resources OpenStreetMap US can share to help explore those hands-on funding opportunities?

When you are ready to start your Project Sustainability Plan, reach out to the OpenStreetMap US team. We can provide you with a template and/or we can facilitate a workshop with the advisory board to work through these questions. While we encourage you to complete this process in the first year, you may consider running through this process on an annual basis, or at times of significant change in your project management or growth.