Journal: Journal of Non-Profit Studies

Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
Publication date: August 10, 2025
Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025
Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps

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Abstract

In the non-profit sector, success cannot be measured solely by financial performance; it must also reflect mission-driven outcomes and societal impact. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as essential tools for translating strategic objectives into measurable results. This paper explores frameworks for selecting meaningful KPIs, balancing quantitative and qualitative metrics, and integrating measurement systems into daily organizational practice. By aligning indicators with mission priorities and stakeholder expectations, non-profits can ensure greater accountability, improve decision-making, and strengthen long-term strategic success.

Keywords: non-profit strategy, performance measurement, KPIs, strategic planning, impact evaluation, accountability, data-driven decision-making 

Citation Formats

APA:
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Measuring what matters: Developing key performance indicators in non-profit strategic planning. Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025

MLA:
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. "Measuring What Matters: Developing Key Performance Indicators in Non-Profit Strategic Planning." Journal of Non-Profit Studies, NEYA Global Publishing, 2025. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025.

Chicago (Author–Date):
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. 2025. "Measuring What Matters: Developing Key Performance Indicators in Non-Profit Strategic Planning." Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025.

Harvard:
Kazanskaia, A.N., 2025. Measuring what matters: Developing key performance indicators in non-profit strategic planning. Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025.

IEEE:
A. N. Kazanskaia, "Measuring What Matters: Developing Key Performance Indicators in Non-Profit Strategic Planning," Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing, Aug. 10, 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-mwm2025.

References

Bradach, J. (2010). Scaling Impact: Strategies for Spreading Social Innovations. Stanford Social Innovation Review.

Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic Planning for Public and Nonprofit Organizations (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Drucker, P. F. (2006). The Effective Executive. HarperBusiness.

Mintzberg, H. (1994). The Rise and Fall of Strategic Planning. Free Press.

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Strategic Planning as a Continuous Practice: Sustaining Impact Through Culture, Structure, and Iteration.

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: KPI Development Template. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-kpi2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: SMART Goals Worksheet. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-smart2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Monitoring & Evaluation in International Development. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/monitoring-evaluation-international-development-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Quantitative Research Methods. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/quantitative-research-methods-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Program Evaluation: Frameworks and Best Practices. NEYA Global Publishing.

Porter, M. E. (2008). On Competition. Harvard Business Review Press.

Call to Action

Read the full paper to explore practical strategies for designing and implementing KPIs that genuinely reflect mission success in the non-profit sector. ? Download the PDF here or visit the Journal of Non-Profit Studies to discover more peer-reviewed research: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps