Teaching Paper: Conducting Training Needs Assessments – Practical Templates for Non-Profit Organizations

Teaching Paper: Conducting Training Needs Assessments – Practical Templates for Non-Profit Organizations

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-dv-tr-tp-11


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About the Article

This Teaching Paper introduces non-profit leaders and practitioners to practical, ready-to-use templates for conducting training needs assessments (TNAs). It presents three tools—a survey, an interview guide, and a focus group discussion guide—designed to help organizations systematically identify skill gaps and training priorities. By combining quantitative breadth with qualitative depth, and situating these tools within frameworks of adult learning and organizational development, the paper equips non-profits to design training programs that are responsive, cost-effective, and strategically aligned. A case study illustrates application in practice, while common challenges such as low response rates and cultural barriers are addressed with actionable solutions.

Key Topics

  • Role of training needs assessments in capacity building
  • Survey, interview, and focus group templates for practice
  • Alignment of training with strategic organizational goals
  • Participatory and context-sensitive approaches
  • Addressing resource and cultural barriers in TNA
  • From needs assessment to actionable training design

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Conducting Training Needs Assessments – Practical Templates for Non-Profit Organizations. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dv-tr-tp-11

References

Boydell, T., & Leary, M. (1996). Identifying training needs. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Drucker, P. F. (1999). Management challenges for the 21st century. HarperBusiness.
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Developing Training Programs: From Concept to Delivery. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/developing-training-programs-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Ethical Consulting for Purpose-Driven Success. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/ethical-consulting-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Capacity Building in Developing Countries. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/capacity-building-in-developing-countries-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Training: Evaluation and Impact Assessment. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/training-evaluation-impact-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Future Trends in Training and Development for Non-Profit Organizations: Technology, Sustainability, and Personalization. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dv-tr-pt-10
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Implementing Continuous Improvement in Non-Profit Training Programs: Feedback, Adaptation, and Learning Cultures. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dv-tr-pt-09
Patton, M. Q. (2012). Essentials of utilization-focused evaluation (2nd ed.). Sage.
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September 27, 2025