Developing Innovation
by Jessica High

The Management Centre recently developed a seven step test to analyze how innovative non-profits were. The questions involved in this test are very helpful for looking at your organization’s progress.

The six stages:

Stage One: Generating Ideas—this is the most basic stage where you begin brainstorming.

                Questions to ask: “Do you come up with enough new fundraising ideas internally?”
                                                  “Does your organizational culture support this approach.”

Strategies --“Create a stimulating environment—play music or kids games before the staff meeting.”

                --Take a break from just work days. Seek inspiration from different sources.

This first stage is not just a baby step toward growth it can be the start of your “creative momentum” as the Centre describes it. However, one idea , no matter how great, is not momentum. You need lots of ideas. “If not, you’ll always be running to catch up with other fundraisers,” the Centre writes.

Stage Two: Exchanging Ideas—You have some ideas, so are you now getting feedback, and searching for more thoughts?

Questions to ask: “Are ideas exchanged between branches or departments, among regions, or between headquarters and regional offices?”

“Do you have systematic processes to ensure that this happens?”

Strategies-- Taking a break from just works here as well.

--“Organize workshops between different departments and teams.”

There will be a wide range of ideas from the people you work with, but this step is important. It opens the door for better communication and a wider range of thought. Be willing to listen and to invest in collaboration.

Stage Three—External Ideas—In addition to talk to people within your organization, it is important also to turn your eye towards what else is occurring within the world and other groups.

Questions to ask: --“Do you consistently scan the environment—commercial and noncommercial—for new approaches and ideas you can adapt?”

--“Is there a “not-invented-here” syndrome at play in your organization?”

Strategies: --“Visit commercial companies you admire, and learn from them.”

--“Benchmark yourself against other charities.”

--“Take the Management Centre’s innovation test.”

If you are strong in this area, that is great, but if that is one of your few strengths, you are letting many others jump ahead and begin using the ideas. There other critical components you must develop.

Stage Four—Selecting Ideas—You’ve been listening to a lot of people, writing down your own thoughts, and observing others. Now it’s time to take refine these results.

Questions to ask: “Do you have a systematic process for identifying high-potential/high-payoff ideas?”

“Is this process rigorous but open?”

Strategies: --“Organize a fun contest with external judges for the ideas.”

--“Develop a set of clear and specific metrics for success—and failure.”

Many organizations fail to answer that first question and select options that are not the best investments. It is very important not to miss this, given the current economic situation, your organization needs careful investments that will have pay-off.

Stage Five—Developing Ideas—With the best ideas selected, it is important to continue in your research and begin thinking about how those ideas should play out.

                Questions to ask: “How are ideas assessed and progressed?”

“What metrics do you use to establish what has real fundraising potential and what isn’t going to make it?”

Strategies: --“Create a team that acts as gardeners or developers who nurture ideas to launch.”

--“Delegate responsibility for idea nurturing to all team leaders. Give them an idea target.”

The statistical projections and analysis may be less exciting or seem like something that could be skipped over, but they are truly necessary if you are to progress.

Stage Six—Presenting Your Ideas—This is an exciting step to be able to show people your plan, but there still needs to be careful thought involved.

                Questions to ask: “How well are ideas rolled out to donors?”

                “What expectations of financial return do you have? And over what period?”

Strategies: --“Create a separate internal ‘launch’ team that acts as salespeople for ideas it didn’t invent.”

--“Be clear on what the return metrics are—invest fully but reasonably.”

Getting to this stage should not often be a short term process. You have invested a lot of time and listening. Now at this point, you get to enjoy presenting your ideas to people. This communication still should be taken seriously though. Each step is worth your careful thought. Anticipate people’s questions as well.

Information taken from Fundraising Success’s article “How Does Your (Fundraising) Garden Grow?”

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