Scenario and Action Planning in Times of Crisis

Nonprofits are slowly learning how the current administration’s actions will impact their services, funding, and ability to achieve their mission. Navigating this uncertainty can be challenging, but utilizing scenario planning allows organizations to build resilience by identifying potential responses and adapting strategically as federal policies evolve. In this training, participants will learn basic steps in scenario planning and will explore how to use the planning process in a hands-on activity. 

The first 30 minutes of this 90-minute training will go through: 

• How to explore external factors and their impacts on programming, operations, and funding. 

• How to prioritize factors contributing to the most likely and worst-case impacts.

• And how to determine actions you can take to reduce negative impacts and risks. 

In the remaining time, participants will have the opportunity to work in pairs to use these tools for their own organization. The session will end with Q&A. 

Why participate? 

• Equips your organization with a framework to navigate uncertainty in an organized process, leading to actions that your organization can take now or later to reduce negative impacts and risks. 

• Empowers an organization’s staff and board to see what they can and/or should be doing now to build flexibility and resilience in the face of uncertainty. 

What will you get from the training? 

• Four sets of simple questions to use to explore scenarios for your nonprofit. 

• Tools to use to document responses to the questions and the ‘plan’. 

• Opportunity to practice using the tools with colleagues from other organizations. 

• A draft plan for your organization. 

Sarah Henshaw: Leaves of Change VT Founder, Sarah Henshaw, brings over 20 years of working in partnerships with nonprofits/ non-government organizations, communities, and humans in both an international and US setting. Sarah started her career as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua, where her commitment to local communities was sparked. Through collaboration with communities and organizations in over 20 countries, including the United States, Sarah has seen the power of people and organizations to change to fulfill their dreams and thrive. Sarah has been on multiple nonprofit boards, including large international and local VT ones, and is currently ending her term as the Board Chair for Clarina Howard Nichols Center in Lamoille, and starting her term as Board Chair on the Green Mountain Support Services board. She’s worked with over 25 boards in various capacities, including board development and facilitating retreats. Sarah lives and works in beautiful Stowe, VT, balancing being an avid outdoors woman, mother, and change-maker.