Understanding Training Needs in Non-Profit Organizations: Foundations for Effective Capacity Building
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: 10.64357/neya-gjnps-dv-tr-pt-02
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About the Article
Training needs assessment (TNA) is a cornerstone of effective capacity building in non-profit organizations. Particularly in resource-constrained environments, where investments in staff development must be carefully prioritized, systematic assessments ensure that training is relevant, targeted, and impactful. This article examines the theory and practice of TNAs, emphasizing strategic alignment, stakeholder engagement, and the identification of skill gaps. Methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, and document review are discussed as complementary tools for gathering reliable data. Case illustrations from health, education, and water sanitation sectors demonstrate how structured TNAs translate into effective, context-sensitive training programs. By integrating academic frameworks with practical applications, the article provides both scholars and practitioners with a roadmap for aligning training initiatives with organizational missions, improving service delivery, and fostering long-term sustainability.
Key Topics
- The role of training needs assessments in capacity building
- Methods of assessment: surveys, interviews, focus groups, observation, document review
- Identifying and addressing skill gaps in non-profits
- Strategic alignment and SMART objectives in training design
- Stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches
- Case studies from healthcare, education, and water sanitation
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Understanding Training Needs in Non-Profit Organizations: Foundations for Effective Capacity Building. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dv-tr-pt-02
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