Mission: Impact Nonprofit Podcast & Blog

Scenario planning for nonprofits + Podcastathon with Carol Hamilton

3/17/2025

In this solo episode of Mission Impact, Carol Hamilton delves into scenario planning and its value for nonprofits navigating an era of heightened uncertainty. She emphasizes

how scenario planning moves organizations from a state of overwhelm to proactive action,
outlines a step-by-step approach and
shares a recent client story to illustrate its usefulness.

Podcastathon 2025: She also highlights The Arc of Montgomery County and its important role in supporting people with developmental disabilities through local programming and national advocacy as part of Podcastathon 2025.

Episode highlights:
[00:00:00] Why scenario planning now

Carol Hamilton opens Episode 119 of Mission Impact.
Sets the stage by acknowledging the widespread uncertainty facing nonprofits, driven by external factors such as political unrest and changing funding landscapes.
Announces her participation in Podcastathon, an event showcasing nonprofit causes.

[00:01:00] Defining Scenario Planning

Explains scenario planning as a strategic method to imagine and prepare for multiple potential futures.
Notes that it helps organizations move from anxiety into constructive planning.

[00:02:10] Why Scenario Planning Matters

Addresses how scenario planning fosters proactivity instead of reactivity.
Acknowledges the overwhelming nature of current events, emphasizing the method’s capacity to create a path forward.

[00:04:30] Steps to Implement Scenario Planning

Environmental Scan – Identify political, economic, cultural, technological, and environmental drivers.
Select Key Factors – Narrow down to two major uncertainties for the greatest mission impact.
Map the Quadrants – Plot the two critical factors on a 2x2 matrix, creating four distinct scenarios.
Paint the Picture – Name each scenario, describe potential outcomes, and consider organizational responses.
Identify Signals – Determine which cues indicate a given scenario is emerging.

[00:08:06] Example from a Recent Client

Describes a nonprofit four named scenarios: “Broke but Protected,” “Broke but Not Protected,” “Worst Case: Climate of Chaos,” and “Status Quo.”
Highlights how similar strategies emerged across different scenarios, helping the group clarify tangible action steps.
Underscores the power of focusing on what an organization can control, even amid uncertainty.

[00:10:21] Podcastathon feature: The Arc of Montgomery County

As part of the Podcastathon initiative, Carol spotlights The Arc of Montgomery County’s mission to serve individuals with developmental disabilities.
Shares a personal connection through her brother’s involvement with The Arc’s programs.
Encourages listeners to support The Arc on local and national levels, noting the ongoing importance of advocacy.

Listen Here

Important Links and Resources:
Podcastathon
The Arc of Montgomery County
The Arc of Maryland
The Arc of the United States
Related Episodes:
Episode 90: Five steps to successful nonprofit strategic planning
Episode 109: Beyond the retreat: Comprehensive nonprofit strategic planning
Episode 110: Who needs to be involved in nonprofit strategic planning?

Be in Touch:
✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
📚Find the books referred to on Mission: Impact
👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend
🌟 Help more people learn about Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the episode.

Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer

3/4/2025

In episode 118 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton talks with Meghan Speer about the concept of holistic communication within nonprofit organizations. They discuss:

the importance of ensuring consistency and clarity across all communication channels to enhance donor engagement and confidence.
insights into breaking down silos, fostering collaboration among internal teams, and
how to map out donor touchpoints to deliver a seamless and human-centered experience.

The conversation highlights the need for nonprofits to align their messaging with donor expectations, adopt a long-term view, and prioritize appreciation to build lasting relationships.

Episode highlights:
[00:07:00] Defining Holistic Communication

Meghan explains holistic communication as the alignment of messages across all channels and teams.
She discusses the risks of silos in nonprofits, such as inconsistent messaging that can confuse donors.

[00:08:51] Real-World Impact of Communication Silos

Meghan shares an example of a failed campaign where a lack of coordination between teams led to misallocated donations.
She stresses the importance of having all stakeholders informed and engaged during campaigns.

[00:12:30] Mapping Communication Touchpoints

Carol and Meghan discuss mapping donor interactions to ensure consistency.
Meghan emphasizes identifying key stakeholders and ensuring two-way communication to address gaps.

[00:18:30] Overcoming Campaign Fatigue

Meghan notes that nonprofits often tire of messages before their audience absorbs them.
She advises patience, consistency, and leveraging multiple channels to reinforce key messages.

[00:23:00] Understanding Donor Behavior

Meghan highlights the importance of recognizing donors as humans with busy lives.
She encourages a long-term perspective to allow campaigns to yield results over months, not weeks.

[00:27:30] The Role of Gratitude in Donor Relationships

Meghan shares the idea of hosting thank-a-thons to connect program staff with donors, creating a personal and meaningful interaction.
She underscores the need to close the loop with donors by sharing the impact of their contributions.

Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

Foster collaboration by breaking down silos and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Think beyond immediate campaign results and adopt a long-term view of donor engagement.
Invest in consistent, clear, and human-centered messaging across all communication channels.
Show appreciation and follow up with donors to maintain trust and connection.
Engage with everyday donors to gain valuable insights into their motivations and perceptions.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Meghan Speer serves as the Executive Director of Nonprofit Hub, a nonprofit educational site dedicated to providing excellent content and resources for those leading nonprofits. She is the host of the Nonprofit Hub radio podcast and has spoken at countless conferences and conventions helping leaders to craft holistic communication and donor strategies. For over 10 years, Meghan was with Marketing Support Network, serving in key executive roles focused on communications strategies that help organizations of all sizes grow and scale. Meghan lives in Pittsburgh, PA where she is active with many organizations serving her inner city neighborhood.

Important Links and Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-speer55/
https://www.marketingsupportnetwork.com/

Related Episodes:
E67 Get that Money Honey
E73 Getting your fundraising reps in
E93 Nonprofit fundraising transparency

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the interview.

Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall

2/18/2025

In episode 117 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall collaborate on another “learning out loud” episode. They discuss the challenges nonprofit leaders face in these chaotic, uncertain and threatening times. They explore:

strategies for resilience, intentionality, and community building,
the importance of grounding oneself in mission and values.
how to filter out the noise, maintain agency, and support collective action.
the significance of strategic focus,
how to be mindful about your information consumption
steps to sustaining personal and organizational well-being.

Episode highlights:
[00:07:25] Navigating Leadership in Uncertain Times

Carol sets the stage for a conversation about leading during chaos and the importance of managing what’s within one’s control.
Danielle shares her approach to resilience—recognizing past strategies, adapting to current needs, and letting go of what no longer serves.

[00:010:25] Embracing Imperfect Resilience Practices

Carol and Danielle discuss the value of small, consistent actions such as meditation, movement, and time in nature.
The importance of observation and mindfulness—whether through deep breathing or simply noticing the environment.

[00:13:25] Shutting Out Noise vs. Making Space for Thought

Danielle highlights the need to balance information consumption, limiting exposure to overwhelming headlines while seeking in-depth analysis.
Carol reflects on discerning what truly matters versus what is merely distraction.

[00:16:25] Finding Agency Amidst Chaos

Leaders must focus on their sphere of influence and avoid being overwhelmed by the broader uncertainty.
Scenario planning as a tool to identify controllable elements and prepare for multiple outcomes.
The importance of aligning actions with mission and values.

[00:18:25] Trusting Experts and Strategic Organizers

Danielle emphasizes the power of deferring to those with expertise rather than attempting to reinvent solutions.
Collaboration over individual action—leaders can contribute by supporting established movements.

[00:20:25] Centering Mission and Values

Nonprofits must return to their core purpose to stay focused.
In politically and ideologically diverse organizations, anchoring in shared mission fosters unity.
Practical ways to keep an organization mission-driven during turbulent times.

[00:24:25] Navigating Scarcity vs. Abundance Mindsets

A shift from "not enough" thinking to an abundance mindset helps sustain momentum.
Trusting that others are doing essential work allows for personal focus and effectiveness.

[00:29:25] The Power of Local Action

Local government decisions often impact communities more immediately than federal policies.
Building relationships within one’s immediate community can create meaningful change.

[00:35:25] Holding Space for Complexity

The challenge of balancing personal emotions with the responsibility of leading others.
Curiosity as a tool for engaging with those holding different perspectives.
The importance of recognizing and resisting divide-and-conquer tactics.

[00:40:25] Emotional Contagion and Leadership Presence

Leaders must be mindful of the emotions they bring into a room.
Establishing boundaries around information intake and conversations to maintain mental clarity.

[00:44:25] Boundaries, Community, and Self-Care

Danielle shares her approach to setting limits on media consumption and energy-draining conversations.
Carol emphasizes the importance of re-grounding in personal "why" and organizational purpose.

[00:49:25] Looking Ahead: Holding Values Firmly

Both Carol and Danielle commit to staying anchored in their values and making intentional choices about where to direct energy.
Encouragement for nonprofit leaders to engage in self-reflection and strategic action.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Danielle Marshall is an equity strategist and executive coach committed to helping organizations and leaders embed inclusive practices into their operations in meaningful and sustainable ways. As the founder of Culture Principles, she designs tailored strategies that strengthen team dynamics, enhance problem-solving, and cultivate inclusive leadership. Danielle also coaches senior executives to deepen their cultural competencies, fostering greater empathy, effective communication, and equitable decision-making. An ICF-certified Executive Coach and engaging speaker, she brings extensive experience in organizational development, equipping leaders with the skills and confidence to navigate diverse work places with impact and integrity.

Important Links and Resources:
Danielle Marshall
Culture Principles
Linktree
Unpacked: Culture Chronicles

Draw Together with Wendy MacNaughton
Guardian US edition).
Week magazine
Heather Cox Richardson’s Letters from an American on Substack for historical perspective
How to survive the end of the world podcast with adrienne and Autumn Brown
The feminist survival project 2025 podcast
Dear White Women podcast
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder which is available in a video series
The Sum of Us by Heather McGee
Finding Grounded Presence for your leadership. Decluttering Your Leadership by Judy Oyedele https://brevityandwit.com/resources/blog/declutter-your-leadership-essential-skills-for-2025/?mc_cid=e75c42c6d7&mc_eid=afeb30bf1d

Related Episodes:
Episode 94: Navigating power and conflict
Episode 75: Confronting generational conflicts

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the conversation.

Project management for nonprofits with Jami Yazdani

2/3/2025

In episode 116 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton interviews Jami Yazdani, a nonprofit project management expert specializing in helping organizations achieve their goals effectively. The conversation:

Focuses on the nuances of project management in mission-driven organizations,
Offers practical insights for nonprofit leaders to balance strategic vision and operational execution.
Emphasizes prioritization, clear communication, stakeholder inclusion, and sustainable planning as critical to success.

Episode Highlights:
[00:06:31] Misconceptions About Project Management

Beyond Timelines: Project management is more than deadlines; it’s about facilitating collaboration, stakeholder management, and creating clarity.
Key Skills: Building motivation and gathering diverse input from team members.

[00:09:01] Stakeholder Management

Starting with Stakeholders: Identify who needs to be involved, aiming for inclusivity to avoid resistance later.
Role Definition: Clarify roles to streamline communication and decision-making.

[00:12:09] Communication Planning

Strategic Communication: Plan outreach throughout the project lifecycle and beyond to ensure sustainability.
Continuous Adjustment: Regularly revisit and revise communication strategies as the project progresses.

[00:14:47] Writing a Clear Project Scope

The Power of One Sentence: Jami shares a template to define projects succinctly, focusing on the "why," the action, the outcome, and the deadline.

[00:17:06] Defining a Project vs. Program

Temporary vs. Ongoing: Projects are temporary efforts to create unique outcomes, while programs represent ongoing operations.
Examples: Developing a leadership program vs. running it long-term; implementing a CRM system vs. its daily use.

[00:23:02] Transition from Strategic Planning to Implementation

Bridging the Gap: Translate strategic goals into actionable steps with timelines, resources, and accountability.
Realism in Planning: Focus on achievable initiatives and build a culture of revisiting plans regularly.

[00:29:00] Accountability and Engagement

Sustaining Momentum: Involve stakeholders consistently through updates and visibility in meetings, newsletters, or other platforms.
Board Involvement: Assign board champions to initiatives for shared accountability and resource advocacy.

[00:36:07] Invitation to Nonprofit Leaders

Permission to Prioritize: Jami advises leaders to focus on a few high-priority initiatives and delegate or set aside less critical tasks.
Leadership Development: Delegate responsibilities to empower team members and prepare future leaders.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Jami Yazdani is a project management and planning consultant with over 18 years of experience leading innovative and impactful initiatives. She spent more than 14years in leadership roles in higher education and libraries, managing teams,projects, and change. Jami founded Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation in 2018 to help mission-driven organizations lead more impactful projects, teams, and planning. She has served on the boards of non-profits and associations in leadership, marketing, programming, and mentoring roles. Jami holds Master's degrees in Technology Management and Library and Information Science and ProjectManagement Professional (PMP), Disciplined Agile Scrum Master (DASM), ChangeManagement, and Wicked Problem Solving Practitioner certifications.

Important Links and Resources:
Jami Yazdanihttps://yazdaniconsulting.com/
https://linktr.ee/yazdanicf
https://yazdaniconsulting.com/impactful-blog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcWWX8w7MtE
https://yazdaniconsulting.com/resources/2022/2/7/5-key-elements-worksheet

Related Episodes:
Episode 64: More efficient operations
Episode 84: Identifying the skills your team needs to bring your strategic plan to life
Be in Touch:
✉️ Subscribe to Carol’s newsletter at Grace Social Sector Consulting
💻 Give us feedback on the show
📚Find the books referred to on Mission: Impact
👥 Like what you heard? Please share the podcast with a colleague or friend
🌟 Help more people learn about Mission: Impact by leaving a rating & review.
😀 Connect with Carol Hamilton ➡️ LinkedIn

Click "Read More" to view a transcript of the interview.

Strategic thinking for nonprofits with Michael Butera

1/20/2025

In episode 115 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Michael Butera dive into the challenges and opportunities facing associations as they adapt to 21st-century realities.
They talk about:

The difference between strategic thinking and strategic planning
Why acting like a three year old can be good for you (ask why five times in a row)
How adaptability will be a key differentiator as to which organizations continue to grow and thrive.

Episode Highlights:
[00:10:05] Strategic Thinking vs. Strategic Planning

Strategic thinking is a process focused on foresight and insights, while strategic planning is a product with short-term goals. Michael shares his focus acronym: Foresight, Observation, Collaboration, Understanding, and Synthesis.

[00:15:18] VUCA vs. BANI Frameworks

The BANI framework (Brittleness, Anxiety, Nonlinearity, and Incomprehensibility), and its relevance in today’s rapidly changing world compared to the VUCA model.

[00:20:58] The Role of Membership in Associations

Associations need to rethink membership strategies, pointing out that organizations often lack clarity about their stakeholder communities.

[00:24:30] Governance Challenges

Governance in associations is highlighted as an area needing modernization. Diverse perspectives on boards are important rather than limiting them to individuals from a single profession.

[00:28:06] Foresight and Observational Practices

To apply foresight, organizations need to to prioritize defining the right questions over rushing to solutions. Examples of how asking “why” repeatedly can lead to deeper insights.

[00:36:47] Adapting to Change

Adaptability is key, referencing Darwin’s principle that survival depends on flexibility, not strength or intelligence.

[00:45:57] Building Sustainable Cultures

Michael provides a five-step guide for nonprofit leaders:

Take guilt-free rest – Avoid burnout by prioritizing personal well-being.
Say no to unnecessary tasks – Focus on what truly matters.
Ask for help – Leverage external perspectives for better outcomes.
Celebrate small victories – Acknowledge progress and learn from mistakes.
Leave work at work – Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Listen Here

Guest Bio:
Michael Butera is a keynote speaker featuring Strategic Thinking, Innovate or Stagnate: Adapting 20th Century Traditions to 21st-Century Realities. Practice areas include governance, restructuring, strategic facilitation, foresight, and coaching. He is an expert partner at the Rogue Tulip Consultants, a Toastmasters, and a Certified Maxwell Leadership Team Speaking Coach and Mentor.

Important Links and Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelabutera/
Association ActiVision, LLC
https://www.michaelbuteraspeaks.com/
ASAE Drivers of Change: https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/asae-foresightworks
The Heath Brothers (Author of Switch and other books) https://heathbrothers.com/
SCARF model: https://www.bitesizelearning.co.uk/resources/scarf-model-david-rock-explained#:~:text=The%20SCARF%20model%2C%20introduced%20by,take%20steps%20to%20mitigate%20these.
BANI: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeroenkraaijenbrink/2022/06/22/what-bani-really-means-and-how-it-corrects-your-world-view/
VUCA: https://executiveacademy.at/en/news/detail/bani-vs-vuca-how-leadership-works-in-the-world-of-tomorrow/

Related Episodes:
Episode 110
Episode 109
Episode 102
Episode 90
Episode 69

Click "Read More" for a transcript of the episode.

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Mission: Impact podcast & blog

Scenario planning for nonprofits + Podcastathon with Carol Hamilton

Holistic communications for nonprofits with Meghan Speer

Grounded presence for nonprofit leaders in chaotic times with Danielle Marshall

Project management for nonprofits with Jami Yazdani

Strategic thinking for nonprofits with Michael Butera

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