Teaching Paper: Agile Strategic Planning in Non-Profits
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-agstrpladptch-tp-01
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About the Article
Agile methodologies, originally developed in the technology sector, are increasingly applied by non-profit organizations seeking adaptable, participatory, and iterative planning approaches. This Teaching Paper introduces two practical templates—Sprint Planning and Retrospective—that help non-profit teams operationalize agile principles in program design, implementation, and evaluation. It offers step-by-step guidance on sprint goals, backlogs, stand-ups, reviews, and reflections, along with contextual adaptations for low-resource and cross-cultural environments. A case study from a Kenyan maternal health initiative illustrates how these tools enhance collaboration, transparency, and impact. For academics, the paper bridges management theory with applied social practice; for practitioners, it provides ready-to-use templates for fostering continuous learning, accountability, and adaptive capacity.
Key Topics
- Agile strategic planning in non-profits
- Sprint planning and backlog management
- Retrospective facilitation and reflection
- Adaptive management and continuous learning
- Low-resource and cross-cultural applications
- Participatory and collaborative strategy
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Agile Strategic Planning in Non-Profits – Practical Templates for Sprints, Retrospectives, and Adaptive Contexts. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. Neya Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-agstrpladptch-tp-01
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Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Tools and resources for agile planning in non-profits (Teaching Paper). Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-agstrpladptch-tp-02
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