{"id":2497,"date":"2017-10-09T14:30:14","date_gmt":"2017-10-09T14:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maastrichtdoet.nl\/?page_id=2497"},"modified":"2017-10-20T11:54:30","modified_gmt":"2017-10-20T11:54:30","slug":"organize-a-residents-initiative","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/maastrichtdoet.nl\/en\/info\/guides\/organize-a-residents-initiative\/","title":{"rendered":"Organize a residents\u2019 initiative"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_single_image image=”2258″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]As a resident, you may also want to organize an event for your neighbours or other people in the neighbourhood. Residents\u2019 initiatives usually aim to make the neighbourhood or street a better place to live for you and for your neighbours, but they may also look to solve a problem or challenging issue.<\/p>\n

As a resident, you are free to take action and set up an initiative. You may quickly find there are many people in your neighbourhood who want to join in, but are then faced with the next big challenge: how to find funding. Ideally, the project should be able to fund itself, but this is rarely the case. This guide will provide information for residents who want to organize an event or activity independently \u2013 \u2018a residents\u2019 initiative\u2019[\/vc_column_text]\r\n\t10 tips<\/a>\r\n\r\n\t[vc_empty_space height=”20px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator border_width=”2″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 1: Look for supporters<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]See whether the idea you have is important to people in the neighbourhood. After all, the success of a residents\u2019 initiative depends on the residents themselves. All of them, or at least a majority, need to support the initiative or have a positive opinion of it. You need each other’s help if your residents\u2019 initiative is going to bring about change in your neighbourhood.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 2: Talk with others <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]In order to boost support for the residents\u2019 initiative, you should start talking to the people in your neighbourhood, including those who are against your initiative.\u00a0 You or your working group may be able to convince them of the benefits of the initiative. Make sure you have credible arguments and can provide clear information on why you think your initiative should go ahead and what you want to achieve with it.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 3: Have a clear vision<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Provide clear information on what you want to achieve with your project or activity and how the activities you want to organize will help achieve your goals. This is different from simply saying what you want to do, which is usually already obvious. The activity or project you want to organize is also inspired by a goal. You want to achieve something. Whatever that may be, every goal is just as valid and important as the next. A project that creates a meeting point for residents may look to combat loneliness in the neighbourhood or bring people together and make them aware of the need to care for others.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 4: Budget<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]If you ask a third party to contribute to the costs of your project or activity, they will want to see a budget with a breakdown of the costs. The budget must be easy to understand for both those involved in the project and those who have little knowledge of it. See whether someone in your neighbourhood with experience in accounting or administration is willing to help you with budgeting.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 5:\u00a0<\/strong>See who wants to provide funding<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]You could have many sources of funding, but the main source will be the people taking part in the activity. See whether these people would be willing to provide funding and turn the activity into a reality. Crowdfunding is the modern way of organizing funding: it raises money from people who each contribute an amount, typically via the Internet. In some cases, part of the project budget may be subsidized.<\/p>\n

The second way of funding your project is sponsors. These could be companies or large institutions whose philosophies tie in with the objective of your project or activity. Many organizations provide grants for social and community activities, so you should carry out some research to find out the most suitable grant provider for you. Remember that you can request a grant from several institutions. If so, each request you send needs to provide information on the funding you have already applied for (stating the source) and the status of this funding.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 6: Consider working with a volunteer organization<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]A residents\u2019 initiative can be set up and implemented by residents themselves, with no help from third parties. However, the old adage of \u2018two brains are better than one\u2019 still applies. For instance, it can be helpful to join forces with a local volunteer organization, as these organizations usually have an established network of volunteers. If you do decide to accept a grant, you may want to ask a volunteer organization to take care of the financial and administrative tasks, instead of having an individual person take on this responsibility.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 7: Ask when and how to apply for a grant<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Each grant provider has its own application deadline and terms and conditions. You must research when and how you can submit an application. Find out whether the institution has fixed application deadlines and standard application forms, or whether it accepts applications by post, in person, or digitally.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 8: Find out whether you need a permit<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Some activities may take place in a public space, which could affect the people using this space. You may also want to organize some catering. If so, you must ask the municipality whether you require a special permit.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 9: For benefit claimants: check the consequences for your benefits payments <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Although your participation in a residents\u2019 initiative will mostly have no effect on your benefits payments, you should always double-check. For instance, your benefits agency may start to ask questions if you start receiving a grant.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/4″][vc_column_text]Tip 10:\u00a0Don’t be afraid to ask questions<\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”3\/4″][vc_column_text]Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Indeed, most grant providers would prefer if you asked five questions and made sure your project was of a good quality. You don’t want your application to be rejected immediately because it’s incomplete. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any of the grant providers, your neighbourhood network (or the neighbourhood network where the activity will take place), or workers at the Trajekt foundation.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Who can help?<\/h3>\n

If you need help, you can get in touch with several organizations and contact people:<\/p>\n