35. Need fresh ideas? Here are four types of peer organizations to learn from

When you are stuck and need new ideas for your organization, a great place to start is by checking out what similar organizations are doing.

First off, let us break down two key terms we will use to categorize these peer organizations: scope and location.

Scope refers to the needs an organization meets within the community, while location is simply where the organization is based.

Understanding these can help you pinpoint which ideas might be a good fit for your situation.

Take a food bank in St. Thomas, Ontario as our example. Here is how this food bank can gather fresh ideas from four different types of peer organizations:

1. Local Twins (Similar Scope x Similar Location)

These are groups that serve similar needs and are located in the same area, offering highly relevant insights.

• Example: A food bank in Aylmer, Ontario

• Benefit: Because they operate under similar conditions and face comparable challenges, what works in Aylmer could likely succeed in St. Thomas too.

2. Distant Cousins (Similar Scope x Different Location)

These groups meet similar needs but are based in different places, providing new perspectives that can be adapted to fit local nuances.

• Example: A food bank in Sarnia, Ontario

• Benefit: Seeing how similar issues are addressed in various settings can inspire new strategies tailored to the unique circumstances in St. Thomas.

3. Friendly Neighbours (Different Scope x Similar Location)

These groups tackle different community needs but share the same geographic area, which can offer valuable lessons on local engagement and resource utilization.

• Example: Goodwill in St. Thomas, Ontario

• Benefit: By observing how other services function in the same community, the food bank may discover innovative ways to connect with local residents, efficiently manage its resources, and collaborate with others in the community.

4. Remote Inspirers (Different Scope x Different Location)

Organizations that serve other needs and locations can ignite entirely novel ideas.

• Example: A mental health nonprofit in Waterloo, Ontario

• Benefit: Engaging with groups that handle distinct challenges can lead to unique, creative solutions that the food bank might not have considered before.

In summary, by looking at these different types of groups, you will be able to find new ways of thinking, improve your plans with proven ideas, and uncover opportunities to collaborate with others.

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