Why do some projects survive and others close?
The Audit Commission have carried out research into why some community projects are sustained and others close, based on interviews with a range of project managers and members. Some of the findings to emerge include the following:- • expectations surrounding a project are often a critical factor in determining continued funding for a project. For example some projects were launched with a clear statement that if successful they would be ‘adopted’ by an agency • cultural factors or resistance to change were seen by some as significant obstacles to success • there were mixed views about the experience of partnerships. Some felt that it helped formulate objectives and ensure that these reflected local service priorities; others felt that partnerships created rivalry • the importance of gaining community support was highlighted as a significant factor in ensuring projects are continued These views have been drawn together to assemble a ‘project survival toolkit’ aimed at people trying to
