Innovation for Nonprofits: Part 4 - Implement!
Let’s try to make sure that our innovations in the world of impact don’t just die with great ideas. Success, however, ultimately depends on how effectively we can communicate our innovation's value and implement it within our organizations. As we wrap up our series in design thinking and innovation for nonprofits, let's explore how to bring your innovations to life!
The Implementation Challenge
After weeks, months, or years of community research and program development, you've created something with real potential for impact. The data is solid. The pilot results are promising. You've done the work.
Then comes presentation day. Instead of support, you're met with hesitation and skepticism.
It's a familiar pattern. Even well-designed innovations face initial resistance, not because they lack merit, but because humans instinctively favor the familiar. We overestimate the risks of change and underestimate its benefits - it's why outdated systems persist long after they've stopped being effective.
But this challenge is also an opportunity. Your role extends beyond program design and into helping others see not just what needs to change, but how to get there. With the right approach, you can transform initial skepticism into buy in.
Let's talk about how to make that happen.
Building Your Communication Strategy
To effectively implement your innovation, here are a few key principles to consider:
Lead with Trust and Connection
I recommend that you try not to continue solo (if that’s your experience), but to build a team. You can build genuine connection by sharing personal stories that illustrate why this work matters to you. In virtual settings, create moments for authentic connection through meaningful check-ins and short video narratives (check out Loom!). Once you've established rapport, articulate your key differentiators and core purpose in a way that resonates with your audience's experiences.
Demonstrate Impact Through Experience
Make your work tangible through interactive demonstrations, whether virtual or in-person. Capture authentic "day in the life" moments and stakeholder testimonials that bring your impact to life. Use collaborative tools and small group sessions to create meaningful engagement opportunities.
Create and Use a Consistent Brand Voice
Make sure that this innovation reflects and conforms with your brand personality. Develop guidelines for visual and verbal communication that reflect your values and resonate with stakeholders. Build a foundation of core messages, evidence, and stories that your team can consistently share across all channels.
Measure and Adapt
Track both quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback to understand what resonates. Regularly gather insights through surveys, interviews, and engagement data. Use this feedback to continuously refine your approach and strengthen your message.
Building Sustainable Implementation
For long-term success, focus on:
Building the Right Team Culture by:
Creating psychological safety for risk-taking and idea-sharing
Building dedicated time for experimentation and reflection
Developing clear processes for capturing and acting on team insights
Recognizing and celebrating both successes and lessons from ‘failures’
Cross-training team members to build resilience and shared understanding
Maintaining Momentum through:
Breaking long-term goals into achievable 90-day sprints
Creating visible progress tracking systems
Establishing regular reflection and planning rhythms
Building a community of practice around your innovation
Identifying and supporting internal champions
Learning and Adapting with:
Regular stakeholder listening sessions
Clear metrics for success and leading indicators
Systematic documentation of lessons learned
Rapid prototyping and testing cycles
Partnership with external evaluators or advisors
Resource Planning:
Mapping resource needs across multiple time horizons
Building diverse funding streams
Planning for staff transitions and knowledge transfer
Creating systems for efficient resource allocation
Developing contingency plans for resource constraints
Scaling:
Documenting core processes and success factors
Building modular, adaptable program components
Creating clear quality standards and monitoring systems
Developing partnerships for broader impact
Planning phase-based expansion strategies
Try These Exercises Today!
1. The Power Pitch Challenge (20 minutes)
Transform how your team talks about your innovation through rapid-fire practice:
Split into pairs, set a timer for 2 minutes per pitch
Each person practices pitching to different stakeholders through role play (funder, community member, partner organization)
Observers note what lands well and what needs clarity
Share insights as a group: What stories resonated? Which benefits stood out?
Leave with: Top 3 messages that consistently connect across audiences
2. Stakeholder Strategy Map (30 minutes)
Quickly identify who matters most for your success:
Create a simple influence/support grid on your whiteboard or virtual canvas
Everyone adds key stakeholders using sticky notes (physical or digital)
Map current position vs. where you need them to be
Focus discussion: Who are your critical champions? Where are the gaps?
End with: Clear priorities for your next three stakeholder conversations
3. Reality Check Role Play (25 minutes)
Build confidence handling tough conversations:
One person presents your innovation
Partner plays skeptical stakeholders using real objections you've heard (maybe even incorporating the Six Thinking Hats! See our Design Thinking & Innovation, Blog Part 3, here).
Presenter must respond by connecting to stakeholder's specific needs
Team identifies most effective responses
Finish with: A shared playbook of proven responses to common concerns
Make It Happen Now:
Pick one exercise for your next team meeting
Send calendar invite with clear exercise instructions
Run it, capture insights, and apply them immediately!
Quick Reminder: The goal isn't perfection - it's giving your team practical tools they can use today to move your innovation forward.
For any questions, or feedback, or help find us at: https://fundingstrategycollab.com/. Thank you!
