Feasibility studies

Created: July 24, 2013 at 10:14 AM | Updated: September 5, 2017 | By Community Resource Kit

Many community projects and programmes start with the imagination and passion of a person, or group of people, wanting to make a difference in the community.

A feasibility study is a good reality check, giving you some information about your chances of success, and possible pitfalls.

A feasibility study helps the members of your group identify:

  • What programme or project the group wants to accomplish - this is beyond an individual's or group's vision and focuses on the wider change you are seeking to make in the community.
  • Is there a need in the community for your idea, for the project or programme? How many people are affected or will benefit? Can you link up with existing groups or programmes? What level of community support is there for your idea?
  • If there is a need, what will it take to make your idea become a reality? What resources will you need and what challenges will you face?

(Adapted from Starting a New Programme)

The focus of a feasibility study is on fact-finding and getting answers to the questions above. Ask all the people whose advice might be helpful, whether you know them or not, including potential clients, supporters and partners. Getting a wide range of opinions will enable you to better decide whether, and how, to proceed with your project. If you decide to go ahead, you can use the information you gathered in the feasibility study to help with your operational and project plans.

Tip: In all likelihood you will be biased in favour of your idea, so getting an independent person to check or oversee the feasibility study will make it more credible. You will then be able to use it when you start raising funds.

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