Have you ever felt stuck in a rut when it comes to fundraising ideas or program development? We've all been there! But fear not, my fellow nonprofit friends, because there's a handy tool called SCAMPER that can help you unleash your inner innovator and breathe fresh life into your organization.

What is SCAMPER?

SCAMPER is a creative thinking technique that uses a series of prompts to get your brain storming new ideas. It's an acronym that stands for:

• Substitute: Can you replace something (an ingredient, activity, resource) with something entirely different?
• Combine: Can you merge two existing ideas or programs into something entirely new?
• Adapt: How can you take an existing idea from another field and modify it for your nonprofit's goals?
• Modify: Can you change the size, shape, or purpose of something you already do?
• Put to Other Uses: Can you use a familiar resource or activity in a completely different way?
• Eliminate: What can be simplified, streamlined, or removed altogether to create a new approach?
• Rearrange: Can you change the order, sequence, or layout of something you already do?

Why is SCAMPER so Useful for Nonprofits?

Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and tight budgets. SCAMPER helps you get the most out of what you already have by encouraging you to think outside the box and find creative solutions. Here are a few specific ways SCAMPER can benefit your organization:

• Fundraising: Feeling stuck in the same old bake sale routine? SCAMPER can help you brainstorm innovative fundraising events like community talent shows, virtual marathons, or peer-to-peer fundraising challenges.
• Program Development: Is your after-school program feeling stale? SCAMPER might inspire you to combine it with a local mentorship program, or modify it to focus on financial literacy or environmental education.
• Marketing & Outreach: Tired of the same old flyers and social media posts? SCAMPER can spark ideas for engaging video campaigns, partnerships with local influencers, or gamified donation drives.

SCAMPER in Action!

Let's say you're a nonprofit that provides meals to homebound seniors. You want to find a way to connect them more with the community and combat feelings of isolation. Here's how SCAMPER can help:

• Substitute: Instead of a pre-packaged meal, could you deliver fresh ingredients with recipe cards, encouraging them to cook a meal virtually with a volunteer?
• Combine: Combine meal delivery with a friendly phone call from a volunteer to chat and check in on their well-being.
• Adapt: Can you partner with a local cable TV station to create a cooking show featuring senior chefs sharing their recipes and stories?