Financial sustainability is a pressing concern for our sector. Navigating an unpredictable funding landscape has shifted thinking in how we might move towards self-generated income. There is recognition that the need to secure funding can sometimes steer organisations away from their core mission, resulting in less autonomy to respond to community priorities. This tension highlights the importance of financial independence, with some organisations exploring revenue-generating models such as community-owned wind farms.

The emotional well-being of those working in the community sector is tied to addressing urgent social and environmental challenge, which can take its toll. How we sustain ourselves and our teams, from simple but meaningful check-ins at the start and end of meetings to fostering a culture of mutual support is important. Laughter, celebrating small victories and spending time to visit and learn about successful community endeavours are essential to stay hopeful and connected to our practice. Some organisations have introduced more flexible working structures, such as a nine-day fortnight, to promote staff well-being. The value of storytelling is a way to showcase impact and a means of uplifting those doing the work by reminding them of the positive change happening daily in communities.

Environmental sustainability and the difficulties of integrating climate-conscious practices within financially strained organisations can sometimes feel like a competing concern when immediate financial and social needs take precedence. When we reframe the issue in a way that positions sustainability as an affordability issue rather than an additional burden, we help bridge the gap between environmental goals and economic realities. There is a growing interest in exploring renewable energy solutions, such as repowering community-owned wind farms, as a way to build long-term financial and environmental resilience.

Waiting for a broader cultural shift in attitudes toward these and other sorts of sustainability of human life and activity is not an option. Action desperately needs to come from within communities, driven by those already committed to change.

How we work together now to access collaborative funding models, emotional well-being strategies, and practical environmental solutions is also key to how we support sustainable community organisations—it all hinges on shared learning, mutual support, and a commitment to working together toward a more resilient future.