This guide synthesizes key insights on how to foster an innovative mindset, implement creative solutions, and leverage new and old technologies to drive your mission.

Phase 1: The Innovative Mindset

• Think Smarter, Not Harder. Innovation is not about adding more work; it's about finding a different way of getting the same or better result.
• Look Outside the Rut. Get out of the routine and be open to the idea that there is a different, and potentially better, way of doing things.
• Balance the Old and the New. Don't throw away what's working, but also don't be afraid to add new elements to it. The goal is to find the marriage between the two.
• Let the Big Guys Pay for Tuition. Allow larger companies to experiment and fail first with new technology. Learn from their lessons, then adapt what works for your organization.
• Set the Right Expectations. Innovation is a journey, not an overnight success. Set reasonable expectations for results to mitigate pushback from your board, executive director, or donors.

Phase 2: Practical Innovation

• Find and Fix Your Friction Points. Look at your operations and identify areas where things are slow or difficult. Tackle one friction point at a time to make it faster and more efficient.
• Be a "Copycat." It's okay to copy what's working, as long as you copy the right cat. Look at companies both inside and outside your industry to see who is doing things best, and then model your own processes after them.
• Leverage Old Technology in a New Way. Don't abandon what's "old school" if it's still effective.
  • Direct Mail: Combine physical mailers with digital technology like QR codes that link to a video or a giving page to tell a more in-depth story.
  • Data Enrichment: Take your existing donor list from a "one-dimensional list" to a "whole world of understanding" by enriching your data. This helps you better segment and personalize your messaging.
• Embrace New Technology. Look at what is working in the business world and bring it to your nonprofit.
  • Retention Marketing: Use a workflow that sends an email to donors who visit your donation page but don't complete the gift.
  • SMS Marketing: Use text messaging as a direct way to communicate with your audience, as open rates are significantly higher than email.

Phase 3: Innovating Your Message

• Fund Today by Talking About a Better Tomorrow. Focus your messaging on the end result of the gift, not just the need. Use positive, proactive language to engage your audience and give them a reason to keep coming back to you.
• Use Surveys Strategically. Don't send out surveys for the sake of it. Have a definitive reason and a clear way to follow up with the data you collect.
  • Keep it Simple: The most effective surveys are often only one or two questions.
  • Ask for the Opinion: If you want a donation, ask for their opinion first.
• Segment Your Messaging. There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to communication. Segment your audience to talk to them effectively and to get the most engagement from each platform.