Transformational Service and Action Learning: The Sustainability of Civic Engagement

The purpose of this article is to introduce the Foundation Resource Outline (FRO), based on the literatures of transformational service and action learning, as a tool that helps practitioners and academics determine the financial solvency of service agencies. Originally developed by the author for an undergraduate grant-writing course, the FRO establishes a common set of questions through which organizations and students can articulate their commitment to the financial transparency of civic engagement. It delineates baseline information necessary for public service organizations to consider when assessing their ability to garner funds in support of their missions. Over time and through word of mouth, new and established community organizations have come to employ the FRO in building their monetary resources and developing rewarding service-learning opportunities for students.