Step 1 – Find out what’s already happening

If you’ve got a great idea to improve your community, then it’s important to know if anything similar is already happening. Not only will this prevent unnecessary duplication, but you may find you can bring your ideas and enthusiasm to an existing community project, instead of having to start from scratch.

You could contact or visit your local…

• Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)– these are local charities which provide support and advice to other charities and community groups in the area. They are sometimes called “Centres for Voluntary Action”.

• Community Foundation–there are 54 community foundations in the UK. These organisations work with people and companies across the country to give advice to community projects and develop strategies for charitable giving.

• Volunteer Centre– these are local agencies that promote and help with volunteering and will often advertise vacancies on behalf of local charities and community groups.

• Council– your local authority will list the services  it provides. Some services may be contracted out to local companies or charities to run. Some councils will also list charities and community projects in the area.

• Elected representative– find out who your local Councillors are. Often they will be very active in their community and are likely to know of individuals who are running community projects.

• Community centre, town or village hall– many community groups will hire out a community space so it’s worth asking the clerk or manager for details of who they are.

• Community events – if there are any summer fairs, fireworks displays or festive celebrations, chances are they have been organised by people already active in the community. It might be worth popping down, if you haven’t already!

And of course, don’t forget to ask around.

You could also conduct a survey…

Plenty of research based on how people find out about opportunities to get involved in their local community points to “word of mouth”. So speak to friends, family and neighbours or try colleagues if you work, or teachers if you are a parent.

A survey is a good way to find out what local people think about their area.

We have included some free survey software below so that you can find out what’s going on, generate support for your project and use the information gathered in future funding applications.

Below are some links to free guides, software and websites that can help you find out what’s already happening in your area.