Scenario Planning for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times with Carol Hamilton

As nonprofit leaders move into 2026, uncertainty no longer feels episodic—it feels constant. Scenario planning offers nonprofit leaders a practical way to navigate uncertainty by shifting from reactive decision-making to clearer priorities, stronger alignment, and more confident, values-aligned choices—even when the future is unpredictable.

In this episode of Nonprofit Mission: Impact, host Carol Hamilton names the fatigue, overwhelm, and decision paralysis many leaders are carrying after this past year of heightened disruption. She introduces scenario planning as a practical, grounding strategy tool designed specifically for uncertain times. She discusses:

• What scenario planning and is not

• Why it is a tool that is particularly suited to the times we are in

• How scenario planning helps nonprofit leaders regain a sense of agency, clarify what's within their control, and align staff and board around thoughtful, values-aligned responses to multiple possible futures.

Through clear explanations and client examples, the episode shows how scenario planning can help leaders move from reacting and spinning to steering with intention.

---

Episode Highlights

00:00–02:00 | Naming the Reality of Nonprofit Leadership Right Now

02:00–03:20 | Scenario Planning - a tool for the times we are in

03:20–05:00 | What Scenario Planning Is—and Is Not

05:00–06:30 | Why Traditional Planning Often Falls Short

06:30–08:00 | Shifting From Overwhelm to Agency

08:00–09:45 | What the Scenario Planning Process Looks Like

09:45–10:45 | Finding Common Priorities Across Futures

10:45–12:00 | An Invitation to Lead with Intention

 

Important Links and Resources:

Scenario planning services

Quote from Mariame Kaba From "Read This When Things Fall Apart" Edited by Kelly Hayes

 

Be in Touch:

✉️ Subscribe to Carol's newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting and receive the Common Mistakes Nonprofits Make In Strategic Planning And How To Avoid Them

📚Find the books referred to on Nonprofit Mission: Impact

👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend

🌟 Help more people learn about Nonprofit Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.

😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn