Research

In addition to providing services directly to communities, we work with the foundation community, other nonprofits, and local, state, and federal governments to build a base of action research that develop more collaborative and effective programs and projects. Through our project evaluations, scholarly research, convening meetings of experts across diverse fields, an extensive library of case studies and the research skills of our staff, we use a wide range of analytical tools to provide project design assistance, policy analysis, research reports and other "think tank" services to our clients.

We often work directly in communities as action-oriented researchers, offering our clients up-to-date reports that synthesize current trends, analyze their implications for public policy, and create a comprehensive picture of the different issues, stakeholders, and possible solutions available. Our work has often focused on understanding structural and cultural issues that impede effective collaboration and developing strategies to address these challenges.

In addition to preparing reports, we have also designed policy dialogues and meetings which engage diverse groups of practitioners, community activists, representatives from all levels of governments, nonprofits, and others to help our clients reflect upon and refine their programs and policies.

We specialize in developing new syntheses that draw from diverse disciplines, on-the-ground experience, and varied perspectives. Because we work across numerous issue arenas, we often find that lessons from one arena can inform another, increasing understanding. Our research efforts are concretely linked to dissemination and diffusion strategies that move findings into practice.