Faith in Action: Capacity and sustainability of volunteer organizations

In this report, we present a case study of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Faith in Action grant initiative. Faith in Action was created to help meet the needs of people with chronic physical and mental disabilities by funding interfaith volunteer caregiving programs nationwide. Results from two evaluations of these programs are discussed. The first aimed to assess the programs' sustainability and characteristics associated with program survival. The second examined the success of technical assistance provided to the programs. Findings from the studies indicate links between program survival and specific program practices, concerning volunteers and the coalition operating budget. Particularly important were diversity of funding sources, diversity of volunteer services provided, governing bodies that are both supportive and active, adequate supervision and training of volunteers, and directors with relevant prior experience.