In this month’s Craigmyle in Conversation we shared our thinking about how to take a project from concept to delivery.  Perhaps a slightly ambitious goal given that any one of these elements are worthy of a session themselves!

What do we mean by ‘project’?  The answer, of course, varies from organisation to organisation – but the starting point is that projects are generally time-limited, focused pieces of work which achieve a specific outcome.  They sit outside ‘business as usual’.  In other words, they’re vehicles for change.

Before considering the key elements of project development, it is important to start with a simple question: why?

Start with the “Why?” – The Case for Change

Before any project can begin, it needs a clear purpose.

  • What is the opportunity or challenge?
  • Why is this the right time to act?
  • What difference will the project make?
  • How does it support your strategic objectives?

A strong case for change helps you pin down what success will look like, and will be your North Star in your project development journey. If you cannot clearly articulate the need for the project, it will be difficult to build support for it.

The Five Building Blocks of Successful Project Development

Once you have established the case for change, the next step is to turn that idea into a deliverable project. Based on our experience supporting a wide range of clients, we have found that successful project development typically follows five key elements.

1. Agree scope

What do you actually need to do?  What’s urgent, and what could wait?  Ambition is important, but it’s also wise to be realistic. Understanding your ‘must do’ and ‘nice to haves’ will help focus your attention and effort.

2. Consultation

Talk to people – your beneficiaries, communities and local stakeholders – and include them as you develop your plans.  Making bold statements about the impact of your project is one thing – far better to include evidence that you’ve considered the voices and input of the people you want to reach.

3. Case development

A Case for Support is a document which articulates, clearly and concisely, the vision for the project, why you’re best placed to deliver it, and how you will deliver it.   A strong case for support is backed up with data and evidence, and can include and early thinking on how you will monitor and evaluate results.  The ‘Case’ should start as an internal reference document, but can then be refined and shaped for different funders as needed.

4. Plans, surveys and appraisals

Over the course of project development, capital projects will require a number of surveys, plans and appraisals, which will be developed over time, for example early concept design from the architects, condition surveys, cost estimates, statements of heritage significance where relevant, environmental or conservation plans.  Understanding which are relevant for your project (and how you’ll pay for them!) is a critical element of capital project development.

5. Fundraising plan

A capital fundraising strategy brings all this together in an actual delivery plan.  It should include a breakdown of the funding you need to achieve your goal, likely funders, and a realistic timetable to get there. We also recommend a ‘funding readiness’ exercise before you begin – so the Plan is grounded in your actual capacity and expertise.

Craigmyle: Expert strategy for your project development

We know most organisations are already stretched simply delivering business as usual. Whether you work in heritage, arts, education, or the social and community sectors, our Craigmyle consultants can provide the expertise and additional capacity you need. Working alongside your team, we’ll help guide you through the project development process and turn ambitions into achievable outcomes. Get in touch to find out how we can help.