innovation at work

Slide Show Contents

• Examples of innovation at work in nonprofits

• What innovative organizations have in common

• How to invite innovation into your organization

Brought to you by MAP• Consulting and training for nonprofit,

social enterprise and philanthropic organizations

• Free and low cost workshops, email support group, and video interviews on nonprofit technology at www.maptechworks.org.

Innovation Story: Mississippi River Fund

After thinking innovation was out of reach, developed Ranger on Call for virtual/tech-enhanced park visits

What do innovative organizations have in common?

Research on Everyday Innovation in Human Service Orgs

Innovation Myth Busting

Keep on the lookout for novel and interesting ideas others have used successfully. Your idea needs to be original only in its adaptation to the problem you are working on.

~Thomas Edison

Innovation Can Be Low Cost

Many nonprofits use existing technology to innovate in more subtle ways, implementing solutions that are both low-cost and effective.

Innovation Story: HOWA Family Center

Used a familiar tool in a new way to enhance services

Image: Joris Louwes

Innovating Services Is Within Reach

Innovation through technology is within reach of any nonprofit.

Framework: How Innovation Really Happens

Role of Organizational Culture• Determines if innovation gets

funded and rewarded• Hallmarks of culture of innovation:

curiosity, learning, leader open to change, action orientation

Innovation Story: Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Improved use of technology through culture-specific approach

How Can You Invite Innovation?

Idea Generation

• Brainstorming• Blue Ocean Strategy• Design Thinking• Innovation Cohorts

Tips for Inviting Innovation• Gain a deeper understanding of the

system you hope to change: needs, stakeholders, interdependency.

• Strive for continuous learning about technology.

• Allow time/space for synthesis, reflection, and creativity.

• Use prototypes and pilots.• Foster a culture of spontaneous

collaboration and failing forward.

Garnering support and resources• Funding• Internal champion• Persuading the board• Deliberately making space• Peer support

Innovation Story: Community Action Partnership

Gained support of executive team, built momentum throughout organization

Innovation Story: Vajrapani Institute

Piloted meditation app thanks to imagination, funding and expert guidance

Presented By

Karen Graham

Director, Technology & Innovation

MAP for Nonprofits

kgraham@mapfornonprofits.org

651.632.7231

Linkedin/karentgraham