Before we begin to focus on your organization, let's take a look at how the broader community works. As someone who is interested in starting an organization that will be supported by the community, looking for and understanding elements that are under the radar makes sense and is essential.

Looking at the Media

Begin by looking at the local media: the radio, the daily newspaper, and the local television, including any cable access channels. Are there writers at the paper who are sympathetic to your project? How about radio personalities? Is there a nonprofit station that not only accepts but actively encourages community groups with free airtime or production assistance for public service announcements?

If you don't already have one, put together a local media list with all the outlets, their general contact information, and a rough tracking of both supportive and critical articles they have put out over the past year. You want to get a good sense of where you will find support and where there may be criticism. With that understanding, you will be able to better present the pros and cons of incorporating as a nonprofit.

Looking at the Neighborhood

Although it might seem like an odd thing to assess, how are the roads? Are they in good repair, or is it obvious the local government is strapped for cash and has neglected the infrastructure? How about the parks? Are they well maintained or are they showing signs of trouble? This becomes very important when you seek funding. When money is tight, you'll need to expend extra effort and far more creativity to raise your operating capital.

Roads and parks are too often the first indicators that money is either tight or the political will to maintain them does not currently exist. As time passes and your organization begins to seek funding, you may find yourself in direct competition for limited funds with long-established groups. If the roads are in need of repair and parks are going without maintenance and upkeep, it means local discretionary funds might run out before you have a chance to request them.

Even if your group is not directly affected by the condition of the local infrastructure, the individuals or businesses you will be approaching for financial assistance, generally referred to as your “funders,” may well be impacted by the same economy that stripped the roads or parks of funding. You need to be aware of both your funders' current situation and understand the financial stresses they might be looking at in the future as you develop your organization.

Looking at the Economy

Now let's look at jobs and the overall employment picture. Are people working or has unemployment become a crisis? People who are unable to meet basic living expenses are unlikely to be in any position to contribute cash to a nonprofit regardless of how supportive they might be. This means you may have to think of ways to utilize in-kind contributions, as opposed to cash donations, more than you otherwise would.

By the same token, what is working well? Are housing starts and the overall real-estate market holding their own or improving? Are elementary and high school enrollments up? Are social groups thriving? Are the parks well maintained and being used by families? These indicators mean people are hopeful about the future and will be far more likely to support a nonprofit organization if they connect with your mission.