The Sustainment Learning Series is designed as a capacity‑building implementation strategy that strengthens small nonprofit and peer‑led organizations’ ability to establish and maintain stable funding systems over time. By addressing a key barrier to program sustainment—over‑reliance on short‑term or single‑source funding—the series enhances organizational readiness and builds core competencies needed for long‑term financial resilience.

Through a three‑part, sequential learning process that includes assessing the external funding landscape, selecting context‑appropriate financing strategies, and developing an actionable sustainment plan, participants increase both their implementation capacity and their likelihood of sustaining program activities beyond initial funding periods.

Session Dates:

• Aug 4, 2026 10:30 AM
• Aug 18, 2026 10:30 AM
• Sep 1, 2026 10:30 AM

Facilitators:

Shannon Higbee, BA, NYSCPS, CPMC
Chief Strategy Officer, Alliance for Rights and Recovery 

Shannon Higbee is a national leader in behavioral health systems transformation and a subject matter expert in sustainable funding, peer workforce development, and technical assistance. As Chief Strategy Officer at the Alliance for Rights and Recovery, she leads national TA initiatives supporting states and providers in building, financing, and sustaining high-quality, peer-led and recovery-oriented services across diverse settings, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). 

With over 20 years of nonprofit and executive leadership experience, Shannon has a strong track record in securing and managing federal and state funding, designing sustainable program models, and helping organizations diversify funding streams while maintaining fidelity to peer support values. She has delivered national learning collaboratives, developed training curricula, and provided direct coaching to organizations on funding strategy, workforce development, and systems alignment. 

A dynamic presenter and experienced trainer, Shannon has led webinars, national trainings, and conference sessions focused on sustainable funding models, peer service integration, and organizational capacity building. Her work is grounded in a commitment to lived-experience leadership, equity, and the long-term sustainability of recovery-oriented systems.