Community-Led Project Toolkit
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can" - Arthur Ashe
Start or grow a project that matters
Step 1: Get Started
Starting a community-led project can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’ve got a clear idea for a meaningful project you’d like to bring to life, or you’re still exploring exactly how you could make a positive difference, this toolkit is here to guide you through the early steps.
When people talk about starting a community project, they’re often thinking of something local — something that:
fixes or addresses a problem in their community
adds something that’s missing
or creates a place for friendship and mutual support
Examples of this could be a food bank, a neighbourhood arts project, or a community garden. But there are an infinite number of ideas that could make a real difference; to a few individuals, a group of people, a neighbourhood, or a large community.
I designed this toolkit to help you turn your idea into something real.
Step 2: Clarify What Matters Most
Before we rush into planning, let’s take a moment to pause and reconnect with what really matters.
This section is about coming back to the heart of your idea — the values, issues, and experiences that are calling you to do something.
It’s also a chance to reflect on what kind of community you want to be part of, and what kind of difference you hope to make.
You don’t need all the answers yet. This is just about starting where you are.
Try this
Write freely in response to each of the following prompts. You can use this workbook, a notebook, or whatever space feels best to you.
What is it about this issue that feels personal, urgent or important?
When you think about your community, what feels to be missing — and what do you wish existed?
What kind of change, connection or support do you want to help create?
Who do you feel most drawn to support or bring together — and why?
What values matter most to you, and how do they show up in your idea or vision?
Feeling stuck? I link to a list of values in this article, which you might find helpful.
There’s no right way to answer these — just begin.
Step 3: Shape Your Idea
Now that you’ve got a clearer idea about what matters most to you, let’s begin shaping your idea.
You don’t need a perfect plan. This is about exploring what this project could look like — even if it’s still evolving.
Try this
Use this space to explore your idea visually or creatively.
Try sketching out the feel of your project or imagining what your first event or gathering might look like
Play with possible names — what sounds like the spirit of your project?
What colours, symbols or words represent the energy or values of your group?
Who inspires you? what types of projects have you seen before that you’d like to emulate?
What form might your project take — a group, an event, a service, a campaign, a space?
Use colourful pens, fineliners, collage, or anything that sparks your imagination. Don’t restrict yourself to words.
Step 4: Gather Support
Most community-led projects need people — both the people you’re hoping to help, as well as the ones who will help you bring the idea to life.
This step is about exploring who’s already around you, and what kind of help or encouragement you might need.
Try this
Who might care about the same things as you?
Who could you ask for advice, encouragement or support?
What roles or tasks might be better shared or delegated?
How would you describe your idea to a friend or potential collaborator?
Where are your people? list Facebook groups, local networks, WhatsApp chats, or individuals you’d love to reach out to
Who do you already know that you’d love to chat this through with?
What existing projects, services or organisations are doing something similar?
Take your time. This is research you can return to again and again.
Step 5: Make a Simple Plan
Every community-led project needs a plan and a starting point. Let’s map out the first few steps so you can start turning your idea into action.
You don’t need a detailed strategy — just something that feels manageable and meaningful.
Try this
What’s the first thing you’ll do to get started?
What are 2–3 key actions for the next month?
What does success look like in the first 3 months?
What resources will you need (time, space, money, equipment)?
What potential challenges might you want to plan around — and how could you respond to them?
What would help you stay on track — a timeline, checklist, calendar, accountability partner?
Use this section to begin drafting a simple project plan that fits your style.
Step 6: Connect to Your Why
It’s easy to lose momentum when things get busy or hard. This section helps you stay grounded in your reason for starting — and your personal connection to the work.
This is about your story.
Try this
What personal experiences connect you to the work you’re doing?
How did you get here — what led you to care about this particular topic or group of people?
What values or beliefs guide the work you want to do?
What will keep you going when things feel tough or uncertain?
This is where the heart of your work lives. You can come back to this any time.
Step 7: Keep Going
You’ve taken the first steps. Even reading this far is something to be proud of.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin — and to keep going at your own pace.
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
— Arthur Ashe
Take a moment to ask yourself:
What’s one small step I could take today?
Who could I share this with or ask for support?
What’s the part of this project I’m most excited about right now?
Looking for more support or inspiration? Explore my free resources, browse toolkits & courses, or work with me directly.
Rachel x