Explore & Inspire
Often when presented with a new project we become overwhelmed with enthusiasm and want to start right now! This article aims to outline the benefits of taking time to research your ideas.
Are you aware of any local community gardens? Taking time out to research other existing community growing initiatives will pay off in the long run. Funders will often ask questions such as:
‘ What other projects similar to yours are in your local community?’
‘Why is your project needed?’
If you come across other established community gardens don’t be disheartened. Contact them, arrange a visit and find out:
- What they do
- How often do they do it
- Why they do it
- Who is on board
- Who funds them
You will be able to gather this information to demonstrate the need for your community garden idea.
These visits may lead to opportunities such as; support in setting up, partnering, sharing resources, people wanting to come on board. You may like to volunteer at one of the projects to gain further understanding or experience of community gardening. These visits will provide you with information and inspiration to help you shape your ideas further. Reflect upon what you have learnt and review your ideas. Regularly reviewing your ideas against your visit experiences will strengthen your project.
This research will be the first steps to building your ‘evidence of need’ also known as ‘a case for support’. When writing funding applications you will need to provide local evidence of need as well both local and national statistics and facts.
