Why I Don’t Like Innovation in Arts Fundraising — Part One.

Innovation is the American Way.  It’s what got us ahead and what will (hopefully) keep us ahead, right?  This thinking certainly applies to fundraising in the arts, too, right?  Then why don’t I like innovation in arts fundraising?

Here’s why…

*Those who embrace innovation sometimes do so while leaving behind the basic tried and true methods of fundraising that should never be ignored

*Innovation always looks great on paper but much more difficult to implement in “real life”

*Innovation often brings the promise of doing / getting more with less —  but in fact its implementation nearly always ends up being very, very hard work

*Innovation gives us hope – sometimes ‘false hope’ and we don’t realize it until too late

So am I really against innovation?  Certainly not – but I am cautious.  Innovation as the sole life buoy in our current challenging financial storm is dangerous.  Use innovation wisely, combine it with what you know works, perfect the basics and always strive to find the balance.

In the next article I will outline thoughts about knowing when it’s time for some innovative thinking and what your “next steps” can be once you are ready.

Bob Swaney is a successful 20+ year veteran of fundraising for the arts and is the founder of Robert Swaney Consulting, Inc.  For more information, you can email Bob at rsc@rrsconsult.net or visit www.rrsconsult.net .