• Determine the focus of the specific idea and share it with the C3:
  What is the core focus of this project and what are its boundaries?

• Who does it help?

• Is it an unnecessary duplication of work already taking place?

• Does this respect and support Manual-based activities of the Mother Church?

• Does it address one of the five priorities of the Christian Science nursing community?

  
  

• Is this uniquely a collaborative opportunity, and can we achieve this better than others could working separately?

• Would a collaborative effort bring wider resources and create greater efficiencies?

• Have we done research in the field to determine the actual need and any other efforts taking place?

• Does this compete with or encroach upon any other organization's mission or goals?

• Are there others we can work with in collaboration to be more effective in this effort?

• Are you willing to work with others outside of your startup group?

If C3 approves the project, it will offer a liaison/coach to your working group as well as the support of the Collaborative Support Team (CST).

With the help of the CST, set up meetings with your group, other individuals, and organizations.

The working group talks, examines, and develops its ideas. It may conduct research, write a report, and do exploratory work. At this stage, the committee should check in with the Manager of Christian Science Nursing Activities, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, to ensure support for the Church Manual by-law.

In some cases, the working group may need funds to accomplish its work. When funding is needed, the working group will make proposals for support to the Philanthropy Forum.

The working group makes the idea practical. It does more research, writing, or a survey to get to a viable and practical solution. Some funds may need to be raised here for a survey or consultant fees.

The working group asks the C3 and others to assist by reviewing and giving input on the proposal — broadening the review to others who might make edits and suggestions and help refine the work to date. Are there others in the wider Christian Science community that might support this project and be willing to endorse it?

• What place would be the best "home" for launching and implementing this working group's proposal?

• What group has the aligned values, staff, and skill?

• Do you need to contact a non-profit attorney for advice?

• Ask the board of the organization if they would consider taking this proposal on as one of their programs.
  
  Alternatively, reassess the topic and determine a way to work on it continuing within the Collaborative — the group might not need funding but would benefit from the informational pool the Collaborative provides.

The responsibility shifts from the working group to the new organization, which will find the resources, identify funding, develop working policies, launch and roll out the project, and continue to manage it. The working group and CST support usually end at this point.

There are several options: a clean handoff where the new organization takes full responsibility (example: The Principle Foundation took on the National Fund for Christian Science Nursing as a program), or a fiscal sponsorship where the group retains some autonomy but works under the sponsor's legal and financial structure (example: The Principle Foundation is a fiscal sponsor for the Communities of Christian Caring).

Another option is to finish the work and close the group — in this case, a final report submitted to the C3 is appreciated.