From Scenarios to Strategy: Introduction to Scenario Planning

A workshop to help nonprofit leaders prepare for difficult decisions, redirection, and unforeseen challenges

Scenario planning is a critical skill for effective decision-making and planning for both better and worse times. COVID-19, society’s response to racial inequity, and a year of natural disasters have exposed organizations’ vulnerabilities and emphasized the need for nonprofit organizations to be prepared to quickly generate, evaluate, adjust, and select alternative ways of operating in crisis or in opportunity.

This program aims to equip nonprofit leaders — staff and board members alike — with data, framework, and tools to mentally and operationally prepare for difficult decisions, redirection, or the unforeseen through hands-on, scenario-planning exercises.

This workshop will cover:

• Defining and understanding scenario planning and its role in effective management including in times of crisis
• Using hands-on scenario-planning exercises that demonstrate the impact of financial and programmatic shifts
• Leveraging tried-and-true tools and peer-organization takeaways to apply to your work

Optional Add-On! Participants who attend this workshop are eligible for a discounted rate on up to four hours of one-on-one implementation coaching and support from Johnson Center staff to translate scenario planning to their specific organization.

 
Please Note: Due to the interactive nature of this session, it will not be recorded for later viewing.

Questions about this event or about your registration?
Call 616-331-7585 or email Tiana Hawver.

Mandy Sharp Eizinger, M.S., is a program manager at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. Mandy brings to her role training in Gallup Strengths Coaching and a people-centered approach to developing individuals and programs to make meaningful and measurable impact. Learn more about Mandy.

Jeff Williams, M.A., M.B.A., is the director of the Community Data and Research Lab (CDRL) at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. In this role, he oversees a staff of researchers, database experts, and web developers who promote access to data and provide insights into nonprofit and philanthropic organizations and activities. He oversees the lab’s annual research agenda, supervises staff, and is a member of the Johnson Center’s leadership team. Learn more about Jeff.