I have a nonprofit business idea that was born out of my own loneliness and desire for real social connection. I’m Gen X and I remember the days of my youth when it was much easier to walk outside your home and just be amongst other people. Now the world seems alarmingly empty. I take my kid to the park and few people are there. I go to the mall and it’s empty. Even when people are around they barely, if even, acknowledge each other as they stare at their phones.
I’m imagining a place that has amenities that truly attracts people. Somewhere that you know if you go, someone will be there just to chat or play a game.
I’m thinking community garden and beautiful outdoor and indoor spaces. Cafe with affordable good and healthy food. Areas for puzzles and games. Study areas and a classroom the community can use to offer free or low cost classes. Indoor playground. Old fashioned bulletin boards where people can offer their goods, services or free stuff to the community. Gaming and technology room for those that do just want to sit with others while they doomscroll or people watch them play, but no phones or tech allowed in the rest of the place.
I’d like it to be nonprofit and low to no cost to everyone. I was thinking that there could be a low fee to access and no fee if the person trying to access couldn’t afford it. I want it accessible to everyone.
Any of you who are familiar with nonprofits, how would I even fund such a place? I was thinking volunteers and part time employees. Low cost entry fees. Maybe renting certain areas out for private parties or weddings.
I want it to be somewhere that you know if you go there, people will be there. The main attraction is people. What kind of amenities would attract you to such a place? What would you consider to be affordable to access?