Playbook for Changemakers
Agile Ways of Working that Amplify Impact
Written by Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST
Nonprofit organizations face significant financial pressures as the landscapes in which they operate rapidly evolve. They have a constant feeling of too much work to be done with too few resources. Nonprofit teams must adapt their approach or risk failing to support and strengthen the communities they serve.
Empowering nonprofit professionals to create greater change for those they serve, Playbook for Changemakers guides them through adopting proven Agile approaches, one tactic at a time.
With concrete steps for enhancing the way teams work and thrive together, and with practical examples of Agile techniques in nonprofit organizations as well as helpful templates and guides, it allows nonprofit leaders and anyone committed to changemaking, including ESG programs, to break the cycle of frustration and exhaustion.
Playbook for Changemakers is the definitive source for all mission-driven organizations to boost employee engagement by identifying and implementing proven Agile ways of working, empowering them to achieve their mission
Empowering nonprofit professionals to create greater change for those they serve
Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST, is the founder of the world’s premier Agile consultancy focused exclusively on supporting nonprofits, charities, and NGOs in using Agile ways of working to achieve impact in their communities more quickly, yet at a sustainable pace.
Since founding the company in 2006, Diane and her team have secured more than $180.67 million in competitive grant awards using Agile methodologies, which they now train organizations to use as well. Diane and her team have trained nearly 100,000 individuals in grant writing and nonprofit capacity building, and nearly 7,000 in Agile ways of working in any nonprofit team setting.
The co-host of Agile Driven Impact, a podcast for changemakers, Diane is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and trainer. She has spoken at the Grant Professionals Association GrantSummit annually since 2012 and has been a speaker for the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference annually since 2017, speaking before audiences of 500+ on Agile approaches to teamwork and grant writing.
Diane is a Grant Professional Certified (GPC), Approved Trainer of the Grant Professionals Association, and a Registered Scrum Trainer (RST) through the Agile Education Program powered by Scrum, Inc.
Free Resource Folder
By downloading the free resource folder you will receive:
A well-managed backlog is the engine of a high-functioning Scrum team, and this free guide helps your nonprofit build one from scratch. It leads you through the beginning stages of backlog creation, helping your team prioritize work, write clear user stories, and maintain a backlog that actually reflects your goals. It is practical, step-by-step, and designed with nonprofit teams in mind. Download this free nonprofit backlog guide and bring order and clarity to your team’s work.
High-performing Scrum teams don’t just happen; they’re built on clear, shared expectations. This free Team Working Agreement guide leads your nonprofit team through the process of creating a working agreement that sets the tone for how you collaborate, communicate, and hold each other accountable. It includes your team’s favorite ready-to-use templates to make the process fast and practical. Download this free guide and give your nonprofit team the foundation it needs to work better together.
Retrospectives are one of the most powerful tools in the Scrum framework, and one of the most underutilized. This free Retrospective Guide gives nonprofit teams everything they need to run engaging, productive Retrospectives, including facilitation tips, custom templates, and step-by-step instructions for using them. Whether you’re running your first Retro or looking to freshen up your approach, this guide has you covered. Download this free nonprofit Retrospective toolkit and start turning every Sprint into a learning opportunity.
Toyota Kata is a structured approach to continuous improvement , and it translates remarkably well to nonprofit operations. This free step-by-step guide leads your team through the Toyota Kata framework, helping you set a target condition, identify obstacles, and build a disciplined improvement practice into your everyday work. It’s ideal for nonprofit leaders and Scrum Masters looking to build a culture of ongoing learning. Download this free Toyota Kata guide and give your nonprofit a proven framework for improving every day.
