The Agile Strategic Planning Process in Non-Profit Organizations

The Agile Strategic Planning Process in 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-agstrpladptch-03


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About the Article

This article explores how non-profit organizations can transition from traditional, rigid planning models to agile strategic planning processes that foster adaptability, collaboration, and sustainability. It outlines the distinctions between traditional and agile approaches and introduces key frameworks—Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe)—demonstrating their practical relevance to non-profit contexts. Beyond methodology, it emphasizes the cultural transformation required to embed agility into organizational strategy, including leadership commitment, team learning, and participatory engagement. Drawing on real-world examples from community outreach, healthcare, and global programming, the paper illustrates how agile methods enhance responsiveness, reduce inefficiencies, and increase mission alignment. It contributes to scholarly debates on organizational adaptability while providing practitioners with actionable tools for implementing agile planning in resource-constrained and dynamic environments.

Key Topics

  • Agile strategic planning
  • Scrum, Kanban, and Lean frameworks
  • Organizational change and leadership
  • Cultural transformation in non-profits
  • Adaptability and stakeholder engagement
  • Resource-constrained strategy implementation

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). The Agile Strategic Planning Process in Non-Profit Organizations. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-agstrpladptch-03

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https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/the-agile-strategic-planning-process-in-non-profit-organizations
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October 7, 2025