Preparing to Plan: Foundational Steps for Strategic Thinking in the Non-Profit Sector
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-ptp2025
Journal DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps
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Abstract
Effective strategic planning in the non-profit sector begins long before the formal drafting of a plan. This paper examines the critical preparatory steps that lay the groundwork for impactful and actionable strategies. It outlines how organizations can assess readiness, align stakeholders, clarify their mission context, and create the conditions for collaborative and informed decision-making. By embedding these foundational practices, non-profits can enhance the quality and sustainability of their strategic outcomes.
Keywords: non-profit strategy, strategic readiness, foundational planning, stakeholder engagement, mission alignment, capacity assessment, planning preparation
Citation Formats
APA:
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Preparing to plan: Foundational steps for strategic thinking in the non-profit sector. Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ptp2025
MLA:
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. "Preparing to Plan: Foundational Steps for Strategic Thinking in the Non-Profit Sector." Journal of Non-Profit Studies, NEYA Global Publishing, 2025. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ptp2025.
Chicago (Author–Date):
Kazanskaia, Anna Neya. 2025. "Preparing to Plan: Foundational Steps for Strategic Thinking in the Non-Profit Sector." Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ptp2025.
Harvard:
Kazanskaia, A.N., 2025. Preparing to plan: Foundational steps for strategic thinking in the non-profit sector. Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. Available at: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ptp2025.
IEEE:
A. N. Kazanskaia, "Preparing to Plan: Foundational Steps for Strategic Thinking in the Non-Profit Sector," Journal of Non-Profit Studies, NEYA Global Publishing, 2025. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-ptp2025.
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Call to Action
For more peer-reviewed insights into non-profit strategy and leadership, explore the full archive of the Journal of Non-Profit Studies at https://neyaglobal.com/all-news/journal-nonprofit/