Have an Idea?

HOW TO MOVE AN IDEA TO REALITY

(Click here for a downloadable PDF)

Background reading

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Is your idea unique? Will it generate a large impact and be long term in scope?

  • Is your idea based on a solid identification and understanding of Sisters community needs?

  • Is your idea time-bound or of more expanded time scope?

  • Do you envision generating a strong base of community support (volunteers, local fundraising, philanthropic appeal) and have a plan for sustainability — possibly including paid staff?

Start by documenting your idea concisely; make a marketing plan

  • Define the need and how it is not already being addressed in Sisters.

  • Troubleshoot your own idea.

  • Estimate what the costs will be, and what resources (premises, volunteers, paid staff, infrastructure such as web-based support, insurance, legal advice, marketing) would be needed.

  • Anticipate legal, legislative, and local obstacles; why, where it will come from, and how you will address it.

  • Start to consider the likely funders: foundations, donors, government.

  • Find organizations, in other locations or municipalities, who are already doing what you think Sisters should do and explain feasibility here.

Talk to the right people about your idea and sound them out

  • Identify the best existing "resource partners" for your project in Sisters such as:

    • The City of Sisters

    • The Nugget

    • Rotary 

    • Council on Aging of Central Oregon

    • STARS (Sisters Transportation and RideShare)

    • LWWDS (Living Well With Dementia, Sisters) 

    • Citizens for Community/C4C —Community Builders monthly meetings

    • the faith community

    • Explore Sisters

    • Economic Development for Central Oregon

    • Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC)

  • Find others in Sisters who support your idea; would they be willing to work with you to develop and implement your idea if it gains momentum?

  • Find existing groups in Sisters who are naturally aligned with your idea: can they incorporate your idea into their existing mission?

    • If not, listen to the "why not" reasons, and decide if they are compelling or whether your idea is worthy of a new, independent initiative taking the roadblocks into consideration.

    • If they are already doing what you want to see implemented, can you work with them?

  • Identify the people who are in a position to champion or kill your idea, and find out where they stand — and why.

At some point, you will decide whether to work with an existing organization or to start up your own initiative.

If you decide to start from scratch:

  • Do you need to raise funds to implement your idea?

  • Consider again who is likely to pay for it: foundations, donors, investors, government?

  • Are you willing to undertake the effort to start your own 501(c)3?

    • It will take time and some smarts if you want to start your own.

    • Or will another Sisters/Central Oregon organization agree to fiscally sponsor your idea?

  • Identify and meet with the most likely funders, and find out what they are funding and whether your idea will resonate with them. Funders are stretched right now. See "make a marketing plan" above.

  • Can you assemble not only a team of volunteers to support your effort, but also identify a capable team manager as well as a Board of Directors?

Get started today.

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