5 Questions to Gut-Check a Big Vision

I’ve recently had several conversations with people who have big ideas. Big ideas for start-up nonprofits, new community initiatives, or board transformation. And I’m here for it: recent attacks on art and museum funding are inspiring many to challenge the status quo and dream of something that will help cultural production not just survive, but thrive. 

I understand how isolating it can feel to see a vision that few understand. Frustration, impatience, and fear can cloud a methodological approach to decision-making. Plus, big ideas can often come with big doubts. Have you ever thought:

The need for this new nonprofit is so obvious; why doesn’t anyone get it?

Our board says they support this idea, but no one will champion it. We can’t move forward without their buy-in.

This program is such a great idea for our audience. I’m afraid no one will actually sign up. 

While I’m always rooting for big, bold ideas in the arts, I am also a pragmatist. I like a good framework. To help navigate big visions, I use a feasibility scan that helps align inspiration with strategy. I’ve adapted this set of questions from a few tools I use with prospects and clients when they’re contemplating a bold new direction:

✅ Does it already exist? How is your idea different or additive? If another organization does something similar, can you form a mutually beneficial partnership?

✅ Do you have data that supports this need? Do you have any hard evidence or community insights? A survey, interviews, or census data about your target audience can help reinforce the need for your idea.

✅ Do you have champions? Who else believes in this, and can help open doors? Identify people with influence, and meet one-on-one to see if they can help advocate.

✅ Is it fundable? What are some ways this can be paid for? Do you already have leads?

✅ Can you iterate this? Can you test a version of this idea on a smaller scale to learn and adjust? Consider a bite-size iteration of your big idea to test it out on a target audience. 

💡 Asking yourself (and your team) these questions has the added benefit of preparing you to write a case for support for funders. 

A feasibility scan is not written in stone. If your answers are mostly ‘no,’ that’s not necessarily a stop sign, but it is a strong signal. Proceed with eyes open and a strategy for testing and adjusting. The goal is to decide with intention, have rationale to back up bold leaps, and to lead confidently. 

If you're sitting on a bold idea and unsure how to move forward, you're not alone. I help visionary leaders who feel stuck clarify direction and move ahead strategically. I’d love to hear your tools for boldly moving forward in the comments.