The unpredictability at the federal level presents new challenges, and nonprofits must be proactive in recognizing these issues and adapting quickly.

In this session, DANA will help participants explore avenues for future partnerships and sustainability. Referencing DANA’s AAA Scenario Planning Toolkit, DANA facilitators will work with nonprofit teams to evaluate their program viability, explore strategies for sustain their missions, and determine the financial sustainability of those strategies. This session complements the half-day clinic DANA is offering on August 12th and 13th, but it is not a requirement to participate in the past event. 

It is recommended that two or more individuals from each participating nonprofit attend. Please bring your latest financials (YTD through June or July), a laptop with access to Microsoft Excel. Advance work would include completion of the Scenario Planning Awareness Questionnaire, a simple cash flow projection/liquidity assessment, and a clear understanding of risk and impact to the organization, its programs, and clients based on assumptions of future federal policy and funding changes.

Co-facilitators Sheila Bravo and Earl Sissell along with other DANA consultants will be on hand to assist nonprofit teams with their scenario planning.

About the Facilitators:

Sheila Bravo is President and CEO of DANA

Sheila joined DANA as President and CEO in 2015. She regularly provides training and consulting services to DANA members on strategic planning, governance, and financial management. Sheila formerly served as Executive Director of the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Her professional experience spans nonprofit, for-profit, and academia. She has worked in in brand leadership positions launching new products, expanding businesses internationally, and developing strategic growth plans for brands such as Vlasic Pickles, Godiva Chocolatier, Corelle Dinnerware, Corningware Ovenware and Pyrex bakeware. She transitioned to provide strategic planning, new product and leadership consulting services to mid-size companies and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries. Her work led her to pursue a doctorate in leadership, specializing in non-profit governance. Bravo has a PhD in Organizational Leadership from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, an MBA in International Business from Thunderbird School of Global Management, and a BS in Business and Languages from Millersville University. Sheila lives in Lewes. 

Earl Sissell is Vice President of Consulting, DANA 

Earl Sissell, DANA’s Vice President of Consulting. Earl brings a combination of business development, financial management, strategic planning, and leadership expertise to DANA and its members. Before coming to DANA in 2022, Earl’s work experience included more than a decade in public and private finance and venture capital. Earl then moved into the education sector, serving as a faculty member in public and independent schools, as well as serving as Head of School, Principal, and CEO in both private and charter schools in the Philadelphia region. As a consultant, he has consulted with clients in a variety of nonprofit sectors on strategic planning, board governance and development, succession planning and leadership transition, and leadership development. Earl is a graduate of Kenyon College (BA in Sociology and Anthropology) and the University of Pennsylvania (M.Ed. in Elementary Education). He is also a Standards of Excellence certified consultant.