Research
Since its founding, the Center has been engaged in seminal research that considers a broad range of policy and leadership issues relevant to nonprofit practitioners. Through a series of collaborative research initiatives with a range of organizations, the Center’s Waldemar A. Nielsen Chair in Philanthropy, faculty, visiting practitioners, and students continue to develop a base of knowledge on effective policies and practices leading to vibrant and healthy organizations and communities.
Recent Publications
International education development is at an inflexion point, and the leadership the sector has long relied on is no longer enough. Drawing on candid interviews with ten senior leaders across bilateral agencies, multilaterals, INGOs, and philanthropy, including the Global Partnership for Education, Google.org, and Enabel, Doris Mwikali makes the case for a leadership grounded in strategic foresight, a values-driven culture, bold partnerships, and systems thinking. Drawing on her experience as a lawyer and global policy professional at UNICEF, UNESCO, and the IFRC, Doris offers a framework that is both empirically rigorous and designed for practitioners navigating the field today.
Rural community organizing is distinct from that of other areas. Organizers there have different organizing tactics and practices than those in urban or suburban areas. This research, based on qualitative interviews with organizers working in rural areas, examines what makes rural civic engagement efforts succeed and how they are unique. The accompanying toolkit offers approaches to relational organizing, community partnership-building, and creating pathways for residents to be change agents within their own communities.
Read Transformative Rural Organizing Practices
Philanthropic leader and recent Waldemar A. Nielsen Philanthropy Fellow, Judy Belk, shares her experience and those of other nonprofit leaders on leading when scared.
Judy asks readers to consider,“what am I scared of?,” and take steps to lead with purpose in the face of challenging circumstances. Rooted in lived experiences, Judy offers tips on overcoming your fears and embracing your courage mojo.
“Now, I look for opportunities to be bold and unafraid in big and small ways. My gut still does a flip, but I find that the more I use my courage muscle, the less scared I am.“
Publications Archive
Click here to access the publications archive.