This section contains findings from research studies carried out by Nonprofit Sector Research Fund grantees. Project findings are summarized for completed studies, and general information is listed about studies in process. Where possible, e-mail links to the researcher(s) are provided at the bottom of the summary page. Project summaries can be accessed by clicking on the category links below, or by using the search engine at the bottom of this page.

After an intensive year-long evaluation and strategic planning process, NSRF has now initiated a more targeted approach to research grantmaking. Beginning in 2002, NSRF is focusing its work in three areas:

1) Nonprofits and Public Policy

2) Nonprofit Relations with Business and Government; and

3) Foundation Policy and Practice.

For each of its focus areas, NSRF will assess research gaps and needs; support research and dialogue on priority topics; communicate research findings to appropriate audiences; and work with other organizations to facilitate the use of new knowledge to improve relevant practices and policies.

Accountability & Evaluation Projects focusing on: practices that advance or hinder nonprofit accountability; stakeholders to which nonprofits are accountable; standards of ethical conduct; nonprofit reporting requirements and regulation of nonprofits' activities; the role of evaluation; nonprofit performance standards; etc. Advocacy Projects focusing on: nonprofits' role in tackling key policy changes such as homelessness, welfare-to-work, or hunger; effective advocacy techniques; the role and influence of nonprofit interest groups; tax and legal implications of lobbying; nonprofits serving as the voice for underrepresented populations; etc. Arts & Culture Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the arts and culture field. California Nonprofit Research Program This section features projects that have been supported through the Fund's California Nonprofit Research Program. Thirteen studies, looking at a wide range of policy and practice issues related to nonprofits and philanthropy in the state, have been funded since the California program was established in 1993. Civic Engagement & Volunteerism Projects focusing on: nonprofit contributions to social capital, democratic participation, and community building and problem solving; nonprofits' role in empowering underrepresented populations; volunteering motivations, trends, and levels; volunteer recruitment, retention, and management; etc. Collaboration Dimensions of the Nonprofit Sector Projects focusing on: the size and scope of the nonprofit sector or particular subsectors; financial health of the sector; expanding and improving data collection on nonprofit organizations and their activities in the United States; exploring the uses and potential of nonprofit databases to inform nonprofit practice and policy; etc. Education & Research Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the education field as well as new developments in academic research methods. Fundraising & Financing Projects focusing on: characteristics of different revenue sources and types, and their effects on nonprofit operations; fundraising techniques for nonprofit organizations; etc. Health Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the health field. Housing & Community Development Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the housing and community development fields. Human Services & Food Assistance Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the human service and food assistance fields. International Projects focusing on: the role and impact of nonprofit activities outside the United States; growth of the global nonprofit sector and international philanthropy; the proliferation and operations of transnational organizations; cross-national comparative studies; etc. Intersectoral Relations & Comparisons Management & Governance Projects focusing on: nonprofit management tools and strategies; board governance functions; leadership development; organizational effectiveness and efficiency; technical assistance needs; collaboration and service integration; location of nonprofit organizations; nonprofit communications and outreach efforts; diversity issues; trends affecting nonprofit employees; etc. Michigan Nonprofit Research Program This section features projects supported by the Michigan Nonprofit Research Program, which seeks to improve understanding of the Michigan Nonprofit Sector through research and doctoral grants. These research projects were funded through the Michigan Nonprofit Research Program (MNRP). Established at the Aspen Institute in 1994 with a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, this regional program has funded 32 studies examining nonprofits and philanthropy in Michigan. In 2002, MNRP transitioned to the state of Michigan and is currently a collaborative effort of the Aspen Institute, the Michigan Nonprofit Association, and the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University, which houses the program. Model Applied Research Projects driven by collaboration between researchers and practitioners, based on the Model Applied Research process, which has these key features: nonprofit managers and leaders drive the choice of research questions; the design and conduct of research projects are driven by researchers; and nonprofit managers actively collaborate with researchers in formulating research conclusions and verifying research findings. Nonprofit Subsectors Projects focusing on nonprofit activities in the health, human service, education, housing, arts and culture, environment and other fields. Nonprofits, Business & the Market Projects focusing on: growing commercial behavior among nonprofits and nonprofit enterprise; social entrepreneurship; blurring of the distinctions between sectors overall and in specific industries; collaboration involving for-profit and nonprofit organizations; nonprofit organizations with for-profit subsidiaries and vice-versa; etc. Nonprofits, Government & Public Policy Projects focusing on: government financial support of nonprofits; effects of changes in public policy on the nonprofit sector; federal, state and local governments' contracting with nonprofit organizations to deliver social services; the impact of devolution; nonprofits' and foundations' interactions with government to address social concerns; etc. Philanthropy, Charitable Giving and Foundations Projects focusing on: charitable giving by private foundations, corporations, and individuals; giving trends and motivations; relations between grantmakers and grantees; tax and other incentives and barriers to giving; foundation accountability, operations and management; the impact of philanthropy on society; etc. Religion / Faith-Based Organizations Projects focusing on: increased debate over the role and effectiveness of religiously affiliated social service provision to needy populations; legislative proposals that more closely link governments with religious institutions in delivering social services; the relationship between faith and charitable work and giving; etc.

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