The key to multi-year funding is clarity. Clarity in terms of a focused effort and a tangible image of where your program or your organization intends to be in 3 years' time. It requires clear thinking in terms of your projected social impact, budgetary requirements and the risks and opportunities you anticipate facing along the way.

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Your partner will also have a clear image in mind of multi-year success. How will they measure progress? It is vital to understand what they will ultimately look back on to say that their multi-year support has been more impactful for both parties than a series of single-year commitments. 

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While in most cases organizations can't guarantee specific social outcomes, you can guarantee that your team will commit to a specific joint multi-year strategy with a donor that helps take your program and your funder where they are trying to go.