As the calendar flips to a new year, there’s this incredible energy that seems to settle over everything. It’s like the world is daring us to try something new, to think differently, to go bigger. If you’ve been feeling that itch to shake things up in your organization, this is the perfect time to focus on building a culture of innovation.

Innovation isn’t just about flashy ideas or adopting the latest tech. It’s about creating an environment where your team feels empowered to dream, experiment, and take risks—even when the outcomes aren’t guaranteed. I’ve worked with enough nonprofits to know that fostering innovation is one of the most powerful ways to tackle challenges and create meaningful impact. But it takes intention and a little courage.

Start by Listening

I know this might sound counterintuitive when we’re talking about innovation, but sometimes the most groundbreaking ideas come from simply listening.

Listen to your team. What frustrations do they have? What barriers are getting in the way of their work? Listen to the people you serve. What needs are they experiencing that your organization could meet differently—or better?

Innovation doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel. Often, it’s about tweaking what you already do to make it more effective, more impactful, or more accessible.

Embrace Failure

This one is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s true: you can’t have innovation without failure. If your team is afraid of messing up, they’re not going to try new things. Period.

Create a space where people feel safe to test ideas, even if they don’t work out. Celebrate the effort and the lessons learned, not just the outcomes. When your team sees that it’s okay to stumble, they’ll be more willing to take the risks that lead to big breakthroughs.

Model Curiosity

As a leader, your curiosity sets the tone for the entire organization. If you want your team to innovate, you need to model that behavior.

Ask questions like, “What if we tried this?” or “How could we do this differently?” Stay curious about trends, tools, and ideas outside your sector. Some of the best solutions come from adapting strategies that have worked in completely different fields.

Invest in Development

Innovation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Your team needs the tools and time to learn, grow, and flex their creative muscles.

This might mean sending staff to a training or conference, bringing in a consultant to facilitate brainstorming sessions, or even just carving out time for them to collaborate on new ideas. When you invest in your team’s growth, you’re investing in your organization’s capacity to innovate.

Celebrate the Wins

Here’s the thing about innovation: it takes effort. It takes intention. And it deserves to be celebrated.

When your team tries something new—whether it’s a tiny tweak to a process or a full-blown program overhaul—acknowledge it. Share the story with your board, your supporters, and your community. Highlight the impact, and make sure your team knows how much their creativity and hard work matter.

A Fresh Start

The new year is the perfect time to give your organization permission to dream bigger and think differently. Building a culture of innovation doesn’t happen overnight, but every small step you take gets you closer to the kind of organization that doesn’t just react to change—it leads it.

If you’re feeling inspired but not sure where to start, let’s talk. Sometimes, all it takes is a little outside perspective to uncover the opportunities that are right in front of you.

Here’s to a year full of bold ideas and meaningful impact.

Talk soon,
Kari Anderson
Principal, Incite Consulting