Teaching Paper: Program Design for Non-Profits – A Practical Checklist for Building Relevant, Sustainable, and Impactful Programs
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-sc-md-ms-tp-04
About the Article
Designing effective programs is central to the success of non-profits. Poorly structured initiatives can waste resources, undermine trust, and fail to meet community needs. This Teaching Paper introduces a ten-step Program Design Checklist, covering needs assessment, community involvement, objectives, resources, accessibility, implementation, roles, evaluation, sustainability, and communication.
Drawing on the work of Bryson (2018), Drucker (1990), and Patton (2011), the paper bridges academic theory and practical application. A case study from India demonstrates how the checklist enabled a grassroots literacy NGO to achieve measurable outcomes and long-term sustainability. The resource also highlights common challenges such as limited resources, cultural misalignment, and evaluation gaps—offering practical tips, reflection questions, and limitations for critical adaptation.
Key Topics
- Needs assessment and community involvement
- SMART objectives in program design
- Resource identification and accessibility
- Implementation planning and role assignment
- Evaluation frameworks for impact measurement
- Sustainability and long-term ownership
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Program Design for Non-Profits – A Practical Checklist for Building Relevant, Sustainable, and Impactful Programs. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sc-md-ms-tp-04
References
Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations. Jossey-Bass.
Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the nonprofit organization. HarperCollins.
Patton, M. Q. (2011). Developmental evaluation: Applying complexity concepts to enhance innovation and use. Guilford Press.
Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2016). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach. SAGE.
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Creating inclusive programs: Strategies for design, participation, and sustainability. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eng-dv-rl-cm-06
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Building trust with diverse religious communities: Principles and practices. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eng-dv-rl-cm-05
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Evaluating communication effectiveness in diverse community contexts. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-eng-dv-rl-cm-10
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Audience analysis for non-profits – A practical worksheet for understanding and engaging stakeholders (Teaching Paper). Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-sc-md-ms-tp-02
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Mission and Values in Faith-Based Organizations. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/mission-values-faith-based-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Communication Strategies for Religious Organizations. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/communication-strategies-religious-2025
