Too many good programs initiated as specially funded projects, pilots, and demonstrations tend to be lost when the period of special funding ends. This guide/toolkit is designed as a resource aid for those in schools and communities who are concerned about sustaining valuable initiatives and innovations. Optimally, sustainability should be a focus from day one of a project's implementation. With most projects, pilots, and demonstrations, however, the pressure of just becoming operational often means that sustainability is not a major focus until well into the work and close to the end of the temporary funding. This document has been developed with this reality in mind. The focus is on sustaining valued functions and collaborations. The material is oriented to the idea that the essence of sustainability is making systemic changes. In particular, the emphasis is on changes that lead to the integration of new developments for enhancing outcomes for children, youth, and communities into the fabric of existing support programs and services. One aspect of this involves "braiding" resources derived from various sources (e.g., projects, ongoing funding streams). Another aspect involves framing the intervention vision in terms of developing, over time, a comprehensive, multifaceted, and integrated approach that is strong and enduring. This document reflects lessons learned from the existing research base and from many years in the field. It has benefited greatly from the contributions of numerous professionals involved with the federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative. It has been designed with the recognition that users will want and need to make adaptations to fit their specific circumstances and contexts. (Author)