Feasibility studies are objective analyses that test the viability of a project concept by a number of different measures:
Most feasibility studies require outside help
Feasibility studies for all but the smallest projects are typically led by consultants with expertise in planning cultural projects. If they have not already joined your planning team to help flesh out the project concept, it’s likely you will want to recruit outside help at this stage.
The consultants will have an advisory role, but will also act as impartial evaluators of a project’s possibilities. A good consultant can also help connect you with design professionals for the architectural feasibility analysis.
Results: If something is not feasible
Your leadership team must cultivate a willingness to accept the finding that a certain idea may not be feasible, and to make the necessary changes if they want the project to move forward. Even unfavorable results will help inform adjustments to the concept and identify conditions that must be met before the project is possible.
Results: Feasible
If the findings from feasibility are favorable (and they often are), your internal planning team will have to decide whether or not to launch a fundraising effort – a big decision that amounts to a go/no go for the project and should have the support of the full board and internal planning team.
Remember that feasible doesn’t mean guaranteed, and that lots of work remains, but you’re off to a well-considered start.
This post is also available in: French
