Webinar summary. Brilliant thinking for charities: Imagining better fundraising and problem solving

In a recent webinar, creative thinker and brilliant Blumer Felix R shared his ingenious insights with 170 charities on breaking through mental barriers to transform fundraising. Here's an exclusive summary just for you...

Breaking free from flea jar thinking

Ever heard of the flea jar effect? Fleas trained to jump within the confines of a jar will continue jumping at that same low height even after the lid is removed. Many organisations find themselves in similar patterns, stuck in conventional thinking that limits their potential. Cognitive biases and digital distractions keep us trapped in "good enough" solutions, when what we really need is to rediscover our ability to jump higher. So, how can we do this?

Here's my top three thinking tips

1. Embrace Failure as Your Learning Laboratory: Like Thomas Edison's numerous lightbulb attempts, failure should be viewed as valuable data rather than defeat. Charities need to create cultures where experimentation is encouraged and "failures" are celebrated as stepping stones to breakthrough solutions.

2. Actively Seek Diverse Perspectives: Break out of institutional thinking by bringing in outside voices. Different perspectives challenge assumptions and generate fresh ideas that internal teams might never consider. This is particularly crucial for charities that may become too close to their own challenges.

3. Commit to the Hard Work of Creative Thinking: Creativity isn't just about brainstorming sessions – it requires sustained effort and commitment. Don't settle for "good enough" solutions. Instead, push through the discomfort of thinking differently and maintain childlike wonder and playfulness in your approach.

Practical applications for charity fundraising

How can we approach this when considering our fundraising efforts? Here are my actionable techniques that any charity can implement immediately:

• "Flood the zone" with numerous ideas before evaluating them.
• Set ambitious "moonshot goals" that push beyond incremental improvements.
• Consider "unconventional fundraising approaches" to stand out in a crowded field.
• Follow up creative sessions with "clear accountability for implementing ideas".

The key is moving beyond traditional fundraising methods and embracing approaches that might initially seem uncomfortable or unfamiliar.

If you'd like to develop your creative thinking skills further, check out my 10 brainstorming techniques, which provide practical tools for unlocking innovation in your organisation.

About Felix:

Felix started out as a comedy writer before working in the City. He left to start his own company, which he sold back to a City institution. After a spell in copper mining in Zambia, he wrote some thrillers for Penguin before turning a friend’s IT company around. It was then that he became a business strategist, working with businesses, charities and public organisations to realise the art of the possible. He has worked with charities both small and global and is keen to share his insights with the Blume community...