The humanitarian and global development sector is at a crossroads.
Funding models are shifting, power dynamics are being challenged, and the systems many relied on are broken and now being reimagined.
This moment is about intentionally shaping the futures we want.
This guide is both a framework and a conversation starter. Because when organizations can explore multiple futures—not just predict one—they’re better equipped to build a balanced, accountable, and effective system that delivers better outcomes with equity and efficiency.
Download the guide
Download in French
Download in Spanish
What you’ll get in the guide
A futures thinking framework for strategic action
- Explore three pathways: probable futures based on current trends, possible futures if emerging shifts take hold, and preferable futures if justice, equity, and accountability are centered
- Identify leverage points for collective action across the ecosystem
- Stress-test organizational strategies against multiple scenarios
- Move from reactive planning to intentional future-building
A companion worksheet with reflection questions and prompts
- For individuals: Where do I see opportunities for my own leadership and influence?
- For organizations: Which parts of our current strategy assume the system will stay the same?
- For the sector (collaborating across groups): How do we strengthen ripple effects across movements, sectors, and geographies?
The Possible/Probable Futures Matrix
- See patterns across eight critical dimensions: sector reform, government & funding systems, organizational models, narratives & culture, experimentation & learning, technology/AI, and more
- Understand which trends are promising/enabling and which are constraining/harmful
- Recognize early signals of possible futures taking shape
Download the guide Download the worksheet Download the matrix
This guide was created through the TIME Transformation Lab—a collaboration-based initiative led by Humentum that brings together INGOs, CSOs, networks, and funders to explore and test what transformation looks like in practice.
TIME (Transforming Institutional Models for Equity) helps actors navigate disruption and possibility by creating spaces for reflection and experimentation, and by co-creating practical tools that strengthen resilience, equity, and organizational change. Its learning spreads through networks and new contexts, creating ripple effects across the sector. Through its Working Out Loud approach, TIME shares insights in real time so others can adopt, adapt, and apply them.
Learn more about TIME
Sign up for the TIME newsletter
