Research Insights

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Research Insights

How Conveners Shape the Future of Collaborative Networks

Navigating modern social challenges, from educational disparities to environmental crises, requires innovative, collaborative strategies. Purpose-oriented networks have emerged as crucial platforms to unite diverse organizations to take collective action against these complex issues. Despite their growing importance, a significant knowledge gap persists around how these networks evolve and sustain their efforts amidst inevitable changes and challenges.  Enter the role of conveners—the linchpins of these collaborative networks. Conveners are the orchestrators
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Nonprofit Organizations Increasingly Form Alliances to Achieve Social Impact Goals

In today’s landscape, the intricacy and scale of many social impact challenges demand innovative approaches beyond collaboration between two institutions. As a result, nonprofit organizations are exploring ways to build large-scale alliances and networks. By harnessing the power of multiple organizations, social impact leaders can pool resources and expertise to address systemic issues more effectively. The Sustained Collaboration Network’s (SCN) report Unlocking the Power of Sustained Collaboration, authored by NNSI’s
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Arts Access Demonstrates the Value of Shared Project Collaboration

After witnessing mass layoffs of art reporters at the Dallas Morning News, Jennifer Altabef had an idea. It was 2020, and Altabef, a National Public Radio Affiliate KERA board member, wanted to develop a solution to fill the void of art coverage in Dallas. An enthusiastic supporter of the arts herself, Atlabef decided to introduce KERA President and CEO Nico Leone to DallasNews CEO Grant Moise.  KERA and The Dallas
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How Mergers and Asset Transfers Promote Sustained Collaboration Between Nonprofit Leaders

Collaboration can be a powerful tool for effecting meaningful change in nonprofit organizations. However, social impact leaders have become fatigued with mandates and incentives to collaborate without a clear purpose. After all, many joint ventures are unsuccessful, posing risks of resource waste and inefficiency while potentially eroding stakeholder trust and commitment. In hopes of changing this negative perception, the Sustained Collaboration Network (SCN) was launched in 2017 by nonprofit funders
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Adopting a Multi-Pillar Solution to Address Social Determinants of Health

In the ongoing pursuit of improving public health outcomes, tackling Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) has emerged as a top concern for regulatory agencies and community-based organizations (CBOs) across the United States. This prioritization stems from recognizing that individuals’ well-being is not solely determined by access to healthcare services but is profoundly influenced by social and economic factors such as housing, nutrition, and education. Failure to resolve these health-related social
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Addressing Veteran’s Needs through Holistic Care

Veteran-serving organizations address various needs, including healthcare, mental health care, housing and homeless assistance, and financial and employment assistance. Many needs are co-occurring. For instance, if a veteran wishes to get a job, they might require additional needs in transportation, education, or financial literacy guidance. The influence of social determinants of health—such as violence, housing instability, financial/employment problems, lack of access to transportation, and psychosocial needs—on veterans’ lives is significant.