Planning Specific Club Projects

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Sometimes, your club's strategic plan will lead to specific projects, or maybe a great new idea pops up that needs focused effort. This could be anything from upgrading the clubhouse or courts, buying significant new equipment, running a major tournament, or launching an initiative that needs grant funding.

While your overall strategic plan sets the direction, having a specific project plan for these bigger undertakings is super helpful.

Why Plan Specific Projects?

Clarity: Defines exactly what the project aims to achieve (the objectives) and what's involved (the scope).
Resource Management: Helps you figure out the budget, people, and time needed, making sure you use resources wisely.
Smooth Execution: Breaks the project down into manageable steps and timelines, reducing surprises along the way.
Grant Readiness: Funding bodies love well-planned projects! Having a plan makes applying for grants much easier and increases your chances of success.

Key Things to Think About When Planning a Project:

Define the 'Why, How, What':
- Why do we need this project? How does it benefit the club and members?
- How will it work? What are the main steps?
- What are the specific outcomes we expect?
Scope it Out: Be clear on what the project includes and, just as importantly, what it doesn't include.
Budget Carefully: Estimate costs realistically. Don't forget potential ongoing costs (like maintenance for a new facility). Always include a buffer for unexpected expenses (contingency).
Identify Steps & Timeline: Break the project into logical steps with estimated start and end dates.
Who's Involved? Assign roles and responsibilities. Who is leading the project? Who needs to be consulted or kept informed (stakeholders)?
Approvals Needed? Consider if you need approvals from the committee, members, local council, state bodies, etc. (especially for facility work).
Funding Strategy: How will it be paid for? Club funds, fundraising, grants? If grants are needed, plan well in advance!

Taking the time to map out these details before diving in can save a lot of headaches and help ensure your project delivers great results for the club.

The next post provides direct links to fantastic QLD Government resources, including a detailed Project Planning Workbook, to help you with this!

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Following on from the guide to planning specific club projects, here are the direct links to the excellent QLD Government (ClubIQ) resources designed to help you with Project Planning, Facility Planning, and getting Grant Ready.

These resources provide detailed guidance, templates, and checklists.

QLD Government Project Planning Resources:

Main Webpage: Plan for a club project (Overview page)
Workbook: Project Planning Workbook (DOCX) (A comprehensive tool to guide your project planning)
Guide: Facility Planning Guide (PDF) (Specific steps for planning new infrastructure)
Guide: Be Grant Ready (PDF) (Tips to ensure your projects are ready for funding applications)
Guide: Grant Writing (PDF) (Help with building a strong grant application)
Training Video: ClubIQ: Project Planning (YouTube) (Video guide to the process)

Using these resources, especially the workbook, can make planning your next big club project much easier and more effective!