While some community organizations are multipurpose and deal with a number of community issues, many are formed around one central issue. For example, there may be a need to address increased drug use by teens. Such focused organizations do not need to seek out issues because they already have a pressing one. It is, however, still necessary to research the issue.

Your initial neighborhood concerns may also be the springboard for future, larger-scale projects. Start small, get people on board, and build your group's enthusiasm through incremental successes. As you establish a track record, you'll be able to tackle larger community issues. Gathering a consensus regarding the problems in your community will help you identify the issues of greatest concern. Conduct polls or surveys if necessary.

First Steps

Once you identify the issues, start seeking constructive, realistic solutions. If, for example, you determine a problem challenging the neighborhood is the lack of places for young children to play, then your goal might be to build a small park or community playground. You'll have to determine where it could be built, how much it would cost, who would build it, and how long it would take.

Evaluating Potential Partners

Some organizations may already have the ear of philanthropists and partner with them to bring about positive social change. Venture philanthropists look for promising nonprofits and typically offer funding as well as financial and management guidance. For instance, Venture Philanthropy Partners in Washington, D.C., supports organizations that provide opportunities to low-income children in the region. Venture philanthropy may be the next wave in charitable giving.

Those who do not partner with a venture philanthropist must determine where the funds will come from. If fundraising is your answer, it is necessary to create a plan and, as discussed in Chapter 2, determine what methods of fundraising would be most effective. If your town, like Greensburg, Indiana, has a large corporate presence (Honda), you might go to the obvious source for a grant or donation. Know your community and the available donors and resources. In most instances, research several key sources, including merchants, residents, and the local government. Start by looking for funding from the local community, for example.

Groups can use fundraising activities to reach out and communicate with the neighborhood to make changes. Community groups and neighborhood associations publish neighborhood newsletters, organize events, and implement neighborhood improvement projects.