Finish the project

How do you know if your project was a success?

Use the baseline information you collected at the beginning of your project and compare it to:

• The numbers and facts (e.g. number of new events and number of people at events)
• Ask your community if anything has changed
• Concrete results (e.g. the building is in good condition)
• Long-term results (e.g. the church is now open 6 days a week)
• Intangible results (e.g. new support network for older people)

Have things improved?

For some groups, it might take a least a year to really know if the project was a success.

Find out more about evaluations

Tell the funder what you have done and compare it to what you said you were going to do:

• What happened? What went well and what didn’t?
• Which of your objectives did you meet? Be honest.
• How much did your project actually cost? How did you pay for it?
• How will you keep your project going?
• Do you have any photos?

Some funders might only give you the last payment of the grant money when they receive the final report.

You planned out the long-term future and success of your new activities in your business plan.

Now, use it! And keep it up-to-date. This is crucial.

Write an asset management plan and put aside a realistic amount of money each year for maintenance.

Maintenance extends the life of your building and reduces the need for major repair projects.

Find out more about maintenance and repair

Tell people about your new facilities and how they can make use of them.

Use different ways to reach out:

• Mailings
• Articles in the local press
• Interviews on radio
• Leaflets and posters
• Regular newsletters
• Your website

Find out more about keeping people informed

Encourage people to come in.

Take part in national or regional initiatives:

• Heritage open days: England’s largest festival of history and culture
• Ride+stride: a sponsored bike ride or walk between churches