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August 28.2025
3 Minutes Read

Scenario Planning in Nonprofits: Prepare for Uncertainty and Thrive

Nonprofit scenario planning session at a business agility series.

Unveiling the Importance of Scenario Planning in Nonprofit Organizations

In a rapidly changing economic landscape, nonprofit organizations face unprecedented challenges. Understanding how to anticipate these changes through effective scenario planning could very well determine their future sustainability. The recent Nonprofit Business Agility Series Session 4: Scenario Planning - A Deeper Dive shed light on critical strategies nonprofits can adopt to navigate uncertainties.

In Nonprofit Business Agility Series Session 4: Scenario Planning - A Deeper Dive, the discussion delves into the vital importance of scenario planning in navigating funding uncertainties.

The Session Insights

The session featured diverse organizations coming together at Goodwill, sharing their experiences and insights on scenario planning. Ryan Boss of Rise Above Fitness, Rachel Blake of Hopeway, and several other nonprofit leaders shared their concerns and cases, creating a rich environment for collaborative learning. This atmosphere encouraged candid discussions about the unpredictability of funding and emerging trends that may affect operations.

Facing an Uncertain Future

Peter Blair, CEO of the Lee Institute, emphasized the notion that the insights necessary for navigating circumstances lie within the group itself. Each participant brought forward their unique experiences reflecting the shifting landscape of funding priorities. This pivotal idea reinforces that nonprofits must harness the collective wisdom of their community to develop robust frameworks that provide foresight into financial stability.

Community Engagement: A Path to Resilience

Building relationships in the community emerged as a fundamental strategy throughout the discussions. Participants highlighted the necessity of transforming the typical donor relationship into a vibrant community of engaged supporters. Nonprofit leaders discussed how storytelling and bringing community voices into their missions could enhance awareness and retention of funding sources.

Shifting Away from Success Myths

A prevalent theme during the day was the need to redefine success metrics. The discussion made clear that measuring traditional outcomes is not enough; nonprofits must innovate to redefine how they evaluate success. The concept of scenario planning wasn’t just about identifying challenges but also about creating opportunities for growth and sustainable impact.

Building Sustainable Revenue Streams: A Collaborative Approach

One key area of focus was diversifying revenue streams. Many organizations are shifting from heavy reliance on corporate funding toward cultivating individual donor relationships. This transition requires a strategic rethinking of how to engage with potential supporters, ensuring that each organization effectively communicates their expanded missions and services.

Next Steps for Nonprofits: Actionable Insights from the Series

The insights garnered from this session were numerous but boiled down to a few actionable strategies:

  • Deepen Community Engagement: Create strong relationships that go beyond transactional interactions with donors.
  • Utilize a Collective Mindset: Regularly meet with peers to share insights and frameworks for building resilience.
  • Innovate Solutions: Own the narrative around your organization’s mission and ensure that it resonates with the community’s needs.

As nonprofits confront the realities of an unpredictable world, scenario planning is not just a strategy; it is a necessity for survival. Engaging the community, reevaluating success metrics, and diversifying funding sources lays a pathway toward resilience in the sector.

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11.25.2025

Community Unites to Combat Food Insecurity in Mecklenburg County

Update Addressing Food Insecurity in Mecklenburg County The increasing demand for food resources in many communities is particularly pressing in Mecklenburg County, where over 130,000 people face food insecurity, affecting nearly 10% of the population, including one in seven children. The FFTC Connects event on food security highlighted these challenging statistics and the dire need for community engagement and sustained support.In the video, FFTC Connects: Feeding Families & Growing Communities, the importance of food security is discussed, prompting deeper insights on community engagement efforts. Local Organizations Step In Brandy Jones, executive director of Angels and Sparrows, shed light on the urgent efforts organizations are making to combat food insecurity. Their mission focuses on not just immediate hunger relief through programs like community tables but also long-term stability through educational pathways. Such initiatives emphasize that food insecurity is a complex issue tied to broader socio-economic factors—impacting education, health, and employment opportunities. The Ripple Effect of Food Insecurity Food insecurity's impact expands beyond empty stomachs; it creates ripples throughout the community. It challenges children's academic performance and correlates with lower lifetime earning potential. Because SNAP benefits are often insufficient—averaging around $7 per person per day—many families are inadequately supported during tough economic times. Kay Carter from Second Harvest Food Bank revealed shocking truths about how many families live on the brink of poverty, highlighting the essential role food banks play in providing necessary resources. The Power of Community Collaboration The FFTC Connects initiative embodies the essence of community collaboration. By uniting local organizations, including the Bulb Gallery and Three Sisters Market, attendees were inspired by how these partnerships nurture a resilient local food system. Three Sisters Market aims to empower community ownership and education while providing access to healthy food—focusing on lessening the impact of food deserts in underserved areas. Hope and Action Moving Forward Looking ahead, these organizations are determined to push for systemic change. The hope shared by speakers resonates deeply, emphasizing the urgent need for ongoing awareness and action. Understanding that these challenges exist in every corner of the region, including affluent areas, reinforces the fact that collaboration and fundraising support are pivotal for transforming lives. As a community member, engaging with these efforts can significantly impact the local landscape. Contributing time or resources, advocating for food-related issues, and raising awareness among peers are ways each individual can help foster sustainable change in food accessibility. If you are motivated to be part of a solution, reach out to local organizations, volunteer, and donate—your efforts matter!
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Tackling Food Insecurity Together: Community Efforts Unveiled at FFTC Connects

Update Understanding the Urgent Need for Food Security In a world that often measures success by material wealth, the silent struggle with food insecurity remains a pressing issue in communities throughout the United States, including Mecklenburg County. More than 130,000 residents in this region face food insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to a sufficient quantity of nutritious food. With one in seven children affected, the urgency of this problem cannot be overstated. Household expenses are rising faster than wages, pushing families into tough decisions between food, rent, and other essentials. Organizations such as Angels and Sparrows are stepping in to fill these gaps, providing not just meals but the hope and stability families so desperately need.In FFTC Connects: Feeding Families & Growing Communities, the dialogue highlighted critical issues surrounding food security, inspiring deeper examination and action within our own community. Building a Community Through Intentional Support At the heart of the solution lies the concept of community support. Organizations like Angels and Sparrows work not only to alleviate hunger but also to offer long-term strategies that empower families. Their community table provides warm meals and groceries but goes further, igniting hope and dignity. The pathway program enriches families by combining food assistance with educational and workforce resources, emphasizing that food security is not just about availability but also about creating sustainable livelihoods. The Role of Local Organizations in the Fight Against Food Insecurity As discussed during the FFTC Connects panel, local nonprofits are increasingly collaborating to tackle food insecurity. For instance, the Second Harvest Food Bank serves multiple counties by supporting about 950 nonprofit partners. It provides essential resources for those in need, ensuring that fresh produce and nutritious meals are reaching the families who need them most. The Bulb Gallery is another unique player, delivering fresh produce to underserved communities through mobile farmers' markets, valuing community-led collaboration and education. The Shift Towards Sustainable Food Systems In addition to immediate relief efforts, sustainable solutions are gaining traction. The Carolina Farms Fund takes a proactive approach to promoting local agriculture and food production. It aims to preserve and protect farmland, creating pathways for the next generation of farmers while ensuring communities have access to fresh, healthy food. This approach intertwines the issues of food security, education, and economic growth. Inspirational Efforts: Turning Hope into Action What emerges from the FFTC Connects dialogue is a powerful spark of hope. Leaders from various organizations shared their paths and setbacks, but each conversation highlighted a resilient commitment to making a difference. The collective goal of investing in community members, especially youth, was illuminated—showing that by engaging the next generation, we can cultivate a socially-conscious future ready to tackle food-based challenges. How You Can Make an Impact With over 140 people attending FFTC Connects, it’s clear that community members are ready to take action. Donating time or funds, volunteering at local food banks, or simply educating oneself about food insecurity can all make a significant impact. Each small effort contributes to a larger movement toward stability, health, and dignity for families across Mecklenburg County. Join the fight against food insecurity in your community. Whether you donate food, volunteer your time, or support local initiatives that promote healthy eating and sustainable agriculture, your contributions can help change lives. Together, we can ensure that food security is not just a dream for many but a reality.
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