Collaborative science projects are designed to inform and catalyze action, but often those impacts do not develop until after a grant ends. Two project teams working with New England reserves found different ways to support the work of their partners after their grants ended.

Begin planning early for next steps

Keep your partners engaged as the project draws to a close by building in an opportunity to share ideas and build enthusiasm for the next project. In the project planning stage, assign a team member the responsibility of keeping a running list of ideas and questions that come up at meetings throughout the project — especially those that are related to, but outside the scope of, the original project objectives. At the end of the project, share the list and discuss ways to turn those ideas and questions into new opportunities to work together.