MicroSociety is an experiential-learning model that empowers students to develop into leaders, entrepreneurs, creative forces, and confident citizens. I enjoyed speaking at their annual conference yesterday for teachers and administrators and participating in a panel entitled Investing in the Future: How Schools and Communities Can Empower Student Innovators and Changemakers.
Most of us like to believe we know where we’re headed. Nonprofits, in particular, are mission-driven, focused, and goal-oriented. But let’s be honest: we don’t have a crystal ball. The world is unpredictable—funding can shift, policies can change, and crises can turn plans upside down overnight.
Enter: scenario planning.
While often associated with strategic planning, scenario planning is also a powerful standalone tool that nonprofits can use to navigate uncertainty, test assumptions, and make more resilient decisions.
Let’s explore what scenario planning is, why it’s useful, and how your nonprofit can start using it today.
What Is Scenario Planning?
Scenario planning is a method of imagining different versions of the future so your organization can prepare—not predict, but prepare.
It’s not about guessing exactly what’s going to happen. It’s about exploring what could happen—and thinking through how your organization might respond if it does.
This isn’t science fiction or wild speculation. Scenario planning is structured, strategic, and practical. It gives you a way to explore uncertainties and build contingency plans, so you’re not caught off guard.
Why Use Scenario Planning?
Many nonprofits think of scenario planning as a subset of strategic planning, and yes—it’s often included in that context. But you don’t need a multi-year strategic plan to benefit from it. In fact, scenario planning is often most helpful while implementing your strategic plan or during times of rapid change, when long-term planning feels impossible.
Here are a few reasons to use scenario planning as a standalone:
You’re facing major uncertainty: Economic downturns, elections, climate events, or funding disruptions can all create conditions where scenario planning becomes essential.
An unexpected opportunity arises: Should you expand services? Hire more staff? Launch a capital campaign? Scenario planning can help you assess the risks and implications.
You want to build organizational resilience: Thinking through different futures helps teams stay nimble and less reactive.
What Scenario Planning Looks Like in Practice
An external facilitator can be an important partner who creates a structured process that allows you and your team to fully participate in imagining and creating the plans that will guide the future of your organization. For me, a few critical steps include:
Step 1: Identify Your Driving Forces
What are the major uncertainties or trends that could affect your work? Examples might include:
Funding levels
Program enrollment
Staffing availability
Step 2: Create a Few Key Scenarios
Pick 2–3 distinct, plausible futures.
Step 3: Explore Impacts and Responses
For each scenario, ask:
What would we need to stop, start, or adjust?
What programs or services are most at risk?
How would we communicate with stakeholders?
What’s our financial contingency plan?
Step 4: Identify Common Threads
Are there actions that show up in all or most scenarios? Those are your high-leverage moves—things you can start doing now to prepare, regardless of which future unfolds.
Scenario Planning ≠ Worst-Case Planning
A common misunderstanding is that scenario planning is just “worst-case planning.” But it’s more balanced than that. You’ll explore a range of futures—optimistic, pessimistic, and somewhere in between.
The point isn’t to be gloomy. It’s to be ready.
Benefits Beyond the Plan
Even if none of your scenarios happen exactly as you imagined (and they probably won’t), the process still has big benefits:
Improves decision-making by encouraging big-picture thinking
Builds team alignment around possible risks and opportunities
Boosts resilience by creating a culture of adaptability
Reduces panic because you’ve already talked through "what if" situations
Plus, you’ll walk away with a playbook—not just for reacting, but for responding intentionally when change comes.
Planning in the Real World
When the path ahead is foggy, shifting, or completely unknown, scenario planning becomes your flashlight.
It helps you stay alert, responsive, and aligned—even in unpredictable conditions.
So don’t wait for the perfect moment or a formal planning cycle. Use scenario planning anytime your nonprofit needs to pause, think, and prepare for what might come next.
Because in today’s world, readiness is a critical companion to vision.
If you would like to discuss scenario planning for your organization, please reach out to us using the button below.
Coalitions thrive when members are informed, engaged, and inspired to work together. Thank you to Children’s Advocacy Centers of Kentucky (CACKY) for asking me to facilitate their strategic planning retreat and planning process. CACKY is the statewide coalition of CACs dedicated to helping every child impacted by abuse. CACKY connects local CACs and partners with the tools, resources, and support needed to provide a comprehensive response to child abuse.
Last year, CACs in Kentucky served over 7,300 children from all 120 counties across the state. Children who receive services from a CAC are more likely to receive the medical and mental health services they need to help them heal from their abuse. Kentucky CACs provide over 12,000 mental health sessions to clients and non-offending caregivers each year. I am inspired by the bold goals and strategies this amazing group set in motion!
In partnership with Welborn Baptist Foundation, I was honored to lead a session last week in Evansville, Indiana on Board Champions: Habits and Practices of Healthy Boards. I was so impressed with the talent and engagement of the Board members and nonprofit executives in the room as we had a fun and thoroughly interactive discussion!
Reach out to us if your organization or foundation is interested in bringing Board Champions to your community.
Chartered by Congress in 1958, the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s membership is comprised of those who wear the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest military award for valor. I was humbled and honored to facilitate today’s Congressional Medal of Honor Summit, which brought together over 28 different organizations from museums, monuments, education and leadership institutions, military organizations, foundations and the National Park Service. They heard from Medal of Honor Recipients and discussed how they can share resources and better connect with each other and the Society.
Locally-owned businesses are one-of-a-kind enterprises that are vital to the unique character of a community. Spent a great day with the Board of Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA) facilitating their strategic plan. I encourage you to learn more about LIBA’s mission to cultivate the unique community character of the Metro Louisville area by promoting locally-owned, independent businesses and to educate citizens on the value of purchasing locally.
Children who have been abused or neglected have many different people come in and out of their lives. CASA volunteers, however, stay involved and present for the child for the duration of their court case. CASA of the Wilderness Trail trains and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children within the Family Court system. It was a privilege to continue my work with CASA programs across the country by facilitating a strategic planning retreat for this incredible organization.
Over the past few weeks the nonprofit sector has navigated challenges from federal funding freezes to uncertain outcomes for those served. We have seen incredible advocacy work and accomplishments from nonprofit leaders and in my view insufficient support and partnership from philanthropy. Advocating for the mission of your nonprofit, the values it holds dear, and the wellbeing of those you serve takes courage and authenticity in finding your voice.
Here are some considerations to help nonprofit leaders navigate this important aspect of their leadership:
Clarify Your Mission and Values
Advocacy is most powerful when it aligns with the core values and mission of your nonprofit. Make sure you have a clear and shared understanding of what your nonprofit stands for.
Be Authentic and Personal
Your lived experiences and the experiences of those you serve can make your voice more powerful and relatable. Sharing personal stories can resonate with your audience on a deeper level.
Listen and Engage
Listen to the people you serve, your board, your staff, volunteers, and partners. Their input will help shape your advocacy voice and ensure that you’re not just speaking for others, but speaking with them. Advocacy is most effective when built on strong, trust-based relationships. Take time to connect with lawmakers, media, and community leaders who can amplify your message.
Be Informed and Knowledgeable
A well-informed leader can advocate with credibility. Research the policies or issues you’re addressing and understand the nuances so you can speak authoritatively. Understanding the arguments or viewpoints of those who may oppose your stance will help you navigate tough conversations and respond effectively.
Use Multiple Platforms and Channels
Social media is an effective tool for amplifying your voice. Share powerful stories, statistics, and calls to action across platforms. Your visibility can lend credibility to your advocacy efforts. Blog posts, newsletters, podcasts, and videos can be excellent tools to communicate your advocacy message to different audiences.
Develop a Clear Advocacy Strategy
What change are you trying to achieve? Having clear, measurable outcomes will help keep your advocacy focused and allow you to track progress. Partner with other organizations or individuals who share similar values to expand your influence and make a stronger case.
Establish Guardrails:
Take the time to develop guardrails around your nonprofit’s advocacy efforts. Who can speak for the organization? What are the limits? How will you separate your voice as a citizen from your voice as a representative of an organization?
Lead by Example
Demonstrate integrity and consistency in both your advocacy work and day-to-day leadership. Encourage and empower your team and supporters to use their voices as well. Collective action can be more impactful than an individual’s.
Be Persistent and Resilient
Advocacy often requires long-term commitment, and setbacks are common. Maintain your focus and stay committed to the cause even when progress is slow. As circumstances change, be open to adjusting your approach or tactics. The most successful advocates are those who remain flexible and responsive to new information.
Invest in Training and Capacity-Building
Nonprofit leaders should seek out training in advocacy, communications, and public speaking to strengthen their ability to effectively lead the organization’s efforts. Make sure your staff and board members also feel confident in their ability to speak on behalf of the nonprofit and take part in advocacy efforts.
By following these best practices, nonprofit leaders can create a strong, authentic, and effective voice. My message to the nonprofit leaders and Board members out there is simple – thank you and I see you.
“The standard you walk past is the standard you accept.”
Lieutenant General David Lindsay Morrison, former Chief of the Australian Army, made this statement in response to inappropriate behavior within the military, but it has always stuck with me because of its application to other arenas, including the nonprofit Board room.
Board members are the owners – the standard bearers – of their team. They shape the culture of the team and set the standard for its performance. Board members who fulfill expectations and are accountable for their commitments contribute to a high standard of performance. Likewise, Board members who witness a problem or behavior and fail to address it are implicitly accepting it as the new norm.
Healthy Boards reflect on the standard they are setting in many areas, including:
1. Setting Organizational Culture
Nonprofit boards play a critical role in shaping the culture and ethics of the organization. If board members allow low standards—whether it’s poor governance, lack of accountability, or ineffective fundraising practices—they are implicitly accepting those standards as the new baseline. Over time, this can erode the organization's mission, reputation, and ability to deliver on its goals.
2. Accountability
Board members have a fiduciary duty to ensure that the nonprofit operates efficiently, ethically, and in accordance with its mission. If they overlook financial mismanagement, unaddressed conflicts of interest, or ineffective leadership, they are condoning those behaviors. By walking past these issues, boards risk harming the nonprofit’s long-term sustainability and undermining public trust.
3. Leadership and Influence
Boards set the tone for executive leadership. If nonprofit leaders see that the board tolerates substandard behavior or practices, they may feel emboldened to act in ways that don't align with the organization's values. Boards should be proactive in holding leadership accountable, providing guidance, and ensuring that the nonprofit's values are reflected in every aspect of its operation.
4. Risk Management
Boards are responsible for identifying and managing risks, including legal, financial, and reputational risks. By walking past risky behavior or inadequate systems, they expose the organization to unnecessary dangers. Nonprofit boards must be vigilant and prepared to step in when things go wrong, before the situation worsens or becomes irreparable.
5. Setting Expectations
One of the most important roles of a nonprofit board is to set clear expectations for performance. If board members fail to address underperformance or missed opportunities, they send a message that mediocrity is acceptable. This can have a ripple effect throughout the organization, from staff members to volunteers, and can ultimately diminish the nonprofit’s impact.
6. Building a Culture of Excellence
Boards should actively cultivate a culture of excellence by setting high standards, regularly reviewing performance, and ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. By doing so, they help the nonprofit fulfill its mission in the most impactful way possible. If board members allow mediocrity, they reduce the nonprofit's ability to achieve its goals and make a difference in the community.
7. Encouraging Transparency
Effective boards encourage openness and create an environment where transparency is the norm.
What is your Board’s standard?
If your Board is ready to evaluate or elevate its standard, let’s talk!
Associations play a vital role in bringing people and groups together around common interests and shared values. I enjoyed facilitating a dynamic discussion on Board governance with the talented Board team from DirectEmployers Association. This Association provides superior HR technology and expert guidance that can be leveraged by employers, State workforce personnel, and other partners.
Nonprofits thrive when leaders and those who support them learn with and from each other. It is one of the things I love most about working with nonprofits — being part of a learning community driven by curiosity. I recently presented a skill building workshop on Board governance for the talented team from Hudson Ferris. In the workshop, we discussed topics including:
💡Defining expectations for Board members
💡Identifying the skills, talents, and perspectives needed on the Board
💡Leveraging committees and meetings effectively
💡Navigating boundaries between Board and staff
It was an exciting and interactive discussion and I thank the team from Hudson Ferris for inviting me to share my thoughts. Hudson Ferris is a boutique fundraising firm based in New York City with 50 years of professional development experience.
Over the past few months, we have thoroughly enjoyed partnering with the Board of Great Kids, Inc. in their search for a new CEO. We are thrilled to share their announcement that David Bird has been selected as the new CEO of Great Kids. The selection follows a comprehensive national search.
David shares a deep passion for the Great Kids mission to support and empower children and families. He has 16 years of leadership experience in business development, marketing, client experience, and strategy. His passion is leading and coaching teams to reach their maximum potential.
"As I met team members, interacted with products and strategy, and observed the enthusiasm and passion that the organization demonstrated, I knew that I wanted to join this team in a more direct way. I am honored to lead and support the continued growth and impact in communities across the US and internationally." - David Bird
Great Kids, Inc. (GK) creates early childhood education curricula and training for home visiting programs that support families and is an international leader in early childhood development. With three decades of experience in results-driven program implementation and management, they offer evidence-based curricula and tailored training to support successful program outcomes.
If you would like more information on how NTC can partner with you in your organization's next executive search, please contact us!
Pets4Life Louisville provides animal wellness resources and information to under-served pet families. Programming is modeled after the Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life initiative. I enjoyed the opportunity to spend yesterday with the Pets4Life Louisville leadership team facilitating a strategic planning session. Check them out Louisville friends!
From strengthening relationships to aligning on our strategic goals, a Board retreat empowers an informed, engaged, and inspired team. It was a privilege to facilitate a retreat last week with the outstanding Board and senior leadership team from Pillar. Pillar’s mission is to provide supports to people with disabilities by promoting opportunity, choice, and connection to the community.
Nonprofits thrive when leaders are empowered and supported to learn, grow, and deepen their engagement in governance. The Welborn Baptist Foundation focuses heavily on nonprofit excellence and supports the professional development of nonprofit leaders in their community. It was so exciting to be back in Evansville, Indiana last week to lead another cohort of incredible leaders in our Board Champions 201 program. This interactive session provides an opportunity for Board members to explore the habits and practices of effective governance, reflect on their strengths, and emerge more energized, engaged, and prepared to excel.
HOLA — an Evansville, Indiana nonprofit — was created to enhance appreciation of cultural diversity and promote the successful inclusion of Latinos in the community. The organization has evolved over its 20 years to reflect the needs of the growing Latino community. and currently focuses on promoting the success of the Latino community in the areas of education, careers, businesses, and financial literacy. I had such a wonderful time facilitating a Board retreat with the incredible leaders of HOLA focused on engaging and equipping Board and staff members for success in fundraising.
Board assessments allow nonprofit Board members to reflect on their performance and share additional areas of support needed. I was thrilled to join Tom Kelly of Million Dollar Nonprofit for a conversation on his podcast about Board assessments and priority setting. I share advice on how nonprofits can assess and elevate their boards for long-term success.
Discover:
⚡️Why regular board assessments are a must for nonprofit sustainability.
⚡️The 3 D’s of great board members: Doers, Donors, and Door Openers.
⚡️Tips for growing beyond a “friends and family” board.
⚡️Best practices for recruiting and fostering accountability.
⚡️How strategic planning ties into effective board assessments.
Whether you’re leading a small nonprofit or a large organization, this episode is packed with practical insights to help strengthen your board and boost your impact.
🎧 Tune in to learn why assessing and optimizing your board’s performance is key to your nonprofit’s growth.
Milestones deserve to be celebrated, especially when they are as significant as Great Kids Inc marking 25 years of impacting the lives of children and families. I was honored to facilitate a multi-day staff retreat with this amazing team and join them for the celebration of their 25th anniversary. The Great Kids vision is to live in a world where all children feel safe, secure, loved, valued, capable, and curious. Their programs support parents to grow the essential parenting and life skills that will empower them to provide their children with a safe, loving home and the inner strengths to reach their highest developmental potential.May they have many more!
CASA of Midwest Kentucky supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy for abused, neglected, and dependent children so that they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. They are on an exciting path to advance their mission over the next few years and I thoroughly enjoyed facilitating their strategic planning retreat this week.
Nonprofits thrive because leaders collaborate to learn with and from each other. It is great to be in Washington DC to lead a session on Board Assessment at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement Capacity Building Conference.