Budgeting for the Future in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous) World

Description

In a time marked by volatility, uncertainty, chaos, and ambiguity, creating a nonprofit budget isn’t just a financial task—it’s an act of leadership. Whether you’re knee-deep in next year’s budget or preparing to launch the process, this timely 90-minute session offers real-world insights from both the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Development Officer vantage points.

Join Karen Kruse (Boettcher Foundation) and Leslie Allen (former Greenpeace CDO and nonprofit leadership coach) for a candid conversation on how executive leaders can navigate 2026 budgeting in a VUCA world. From unpredictable funding streams to shifting donor behavior, you’ll hear practical strategies to build alignment across your leadership team, stay grounded in donor and funder trends, and equip your board with clarity—not just spreadsheets.

With space for Q&A and discussion, this session aims to meet you where you are. Bring your questions, your challenges, and your curiosity—we’ll bring the candor, context, and tools to help your organization plan ahead with greater confidence.

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the key challenges and emerging trends influencing nonprofit budgeting in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Chaotic, Ambiguous) environment.
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration between development and operations teams, particularly between CDOs and COOs/CFOs, to create more responsive and resilient budgets.
• Apply scenario planning tools and donor intelligence to develop budget assumptions that reflect a range of potential outcomes for 2026 and beyond.
• Implement practical strategies to improve communication with funders, major donors, and board members during times of financial ambiguity.

Offered by our partner, Colorado Nonprofit Association