What We Do
Our Mission
The Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact at Northwestern University is dedcated to answering the question: How can nonprofit networks be rewired for maximum social impact? Since its establishment in 2012, NNSI uniquely focuses on research that emphasizes collaborative efforts and network structures that include nonprofit organizations and their many organizational and community partners.
What Are Networks for Social Impact?
Are you new to the idea of Networks for Social Impact but not sure where to begin exploring? In this video, NNSI's Founding Director Michelle Shumate explains the topic across five levels of difficulty (Fifth-grader, Undergraduate, Master's Student, Professional, Professor) to help viewers better understand how networks create meaningful social change.
Ongoing Projects
NNSI is currently conducting research on coordinated care and referral networks, focusing on homelessness prevention, global health and human service systems, and veteran support. Our work examines how these networks function, develops practical tools and evidence summaries, and applies data-driven methods to improve service delivery, care outcomes, and long-term support for vulnerable populations.
Partnerships
