Planning the development of non-profit organizations: social mission or economic efficiency

This article analyzes the features of strategic planning in non-profit organizations (NPOs). More than half of Russian NPOs face challenges with strategic planning for their future activities. Strategic planning is perceived by non-profit organizations as a means of increasing sustainability, giving them the opportunity to adapt to changes faster. Despite emerging external environment issues, more than a third of NPOs in the Volga Federal District (VFD) continue to plan their activities for a period of more than five years. NPOs have varying perceptions of the concept of “planning”. The article utilizes data from a sociological study conducted in 2023 in the Volga Federal District, which focused on the problems and prospects of non-profit organizations’ activities in changing conditions. Barriers to the development of planning thinking include difficulties with the organization’s human resources, such as employee burnout, a lack of full-time managers, and leadership changes.