Considering sustainability is crucial to the quality and impact of community-university partnerships, how can universities and communities build sustainable partnerships and what issues contribute to sustainability? This article discusses the importance of sustainability in community-university partnerships, asserting that the concept of sustainability should evolve from a “project based” concept to a broader concept that facilitates the development of a long-term, successful partnership. The authors draw knowledge and experience from related literature to discuss the following characteristics that contribute to sustainable partnerships: genuine reciprocity, a creative approach to partnerships, mutual learning and recognizing the multiple purposes of partners, building ‘bridges’ between organizations, and funding.

Northmore, S., & Hart, A. (2011). Sustaining community-university partnerships. Gateways: International Journal of Community Research and Engagement, 4, 1-11. Full Text.