In short, the board and staff must look at all scenarios. What will we do if giving drops 10% in 2009? How about 25%? On the other end of the spectrum, what is our visionary budget if giving is up 10% or 25%? How about 50% or 100%? While the latter may seem out of the realm of possibility, we never know what might happen and who are we to discount these possibilities?

Considering the possibilities does two things: First, it prepares us for negative situations so we will not be caught flat-footed. Second, this approach keeps our vision fresh and strong. A board meeting where we are talking about a jump of $50,000 in funding is fun and full of new thinking.

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Reprinted by permission from Boards of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.