Whi Wiki?

OMG!
Various people in my council department (which includes the library service) have been trying to get our heads around how to best set up an online learning community for two or three years. The key problem was how to do it, when it seemed that the technology was not user-friendly, not inviting, not easy to manage, was constantly changing and was not cool!
Welcome Wikis!
This is a great way to set up - for example - a youth - council/community interface aimed at engaging teens and young adults in life-long learning opportunites in the local area and with their input. It would include discussions about what's happening, what they want, what's out there that they may not know about, pages on school stuff, local bands, retailer specials, drug awareness and support, council leisure centre timetables, local transport, the spots where its OK to graffitti, and - dare I say it - library things such as new DVDs and graphic novels, mag and book reviews, upcoming events, etc.
BUT it means writing up a proposal for a new budgeting initiative ..... has anyone done that before so I can copy/plagiarise? Does anyone want to set up a Wiki to collaborate on the preparation of project plans for applications for funding from our councils for this type of Wiki project? (PS I work in Victoria, Australia.)
Another new iniative would be a similar Wiki hoping to capture the interest of older residents and their carers, with links to health, entertainment, gardening and ICT help topics that might interest them, forums and chats where they can communicate with neighbours from their homes, access to online learning opportunities such as the library and U3A, etc.
BUT (again) it would require significant staff resources despite the technology being available online with no charge, and staff time is expensive. Does anyone know a multi-millionaire individual or company who would like to sponsor us (all of us)?