Meeting my key supporter

Today I had the privilege of meeting my works key financial supporter. I could not do my job with out his kind donatitions. Well I work up early to go meet him and I've got to be honest I was nervous. Whilst I was pretty sure that he would not object to my work, I was keenly aware that the long term existance of the project could depend on this meeting. The project has garenteed funding for the next 1 and a half years. Beyond that we do not have any guarentees. In fact he has publicaly said that he will not fund the work after summer 2011. After meeting him and his wife I wish this wasn't the case. He is a fantastic guy who has a clear passion for work which makes a differance and for work which builds in sustanability.

Before this meeting (and my pre-meeting prep) I had not put a lot of thought into sustanability but Chester is in a good state for sustainability. Mainly because the model we are using is to get local youth workers from local churches to be passionate about the work and therefore committed to the work. Then if my source of funding did dry up and the role had to stop hopefully the youth workers would carry on the work. Also as a city I believe we are above average in working together and hopefully this sense of community would encourage the project to continue.

If in a years time it looks likely my role will be ending soon I know I will focus my efforts on how best to encourage and facilitate this mutual support.