Scenario Planning for Nonprofits in Uncertain Times with Carol Hamilton
From Nonprofit Mission: Impact by Carol Hamilton
January 13, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 140
About this episode
Carol Hamilton discusses scenario planning as a strategy for nonprofit leaders to navigate uncertainty and regain agency in decision-making.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Carol Hamilton
Topics covered
- scenario planning
- nonprofit leadership
- decision-making
- uncertainty
- values-aligned choices
- agency
Keywords
- nonprofit
- scenario planning
- leadership
- decision paralysis
- values-aligned
- uncertainty
- agency
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