Visiting Scholars
Independent Sector's Visiting Scholars Program
Independent Sector’s Visiting Scholar program ensures that our work on behalf of our members and the broader sector is deeply informed by the best of nonprofit research. The program connects a scholar and the IS team to facilitate a deeper integration of the findings of researchers and lived experience of practitioners — all in service of a healthier, more equitable sector that is better equipped to serve our respective missions.
The ongoing collaborations between IS and our visiting scholars has delivered new tools and new insights for our sector, including: the Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report, the development of the National Survey of Nonprofit Trends and Impacts, and critical insights into nonprofit engagement in public policy advocacy.
Scholar Spotlight:
“A Shock to the Status Quo: Characteristics of Nonprofits that Make Strategic Decisions During a Crisis”
This new Independent Sector research paper, led by Visiting Scholar Dr. Mirae Kim, discusses the changes nonprofits made in response to COVID-19 and looks at the characteristics of the most adaptive nonprofits. This study underscores the crucial role of government-nonprofit partnerships, adaptable leadership, and proactive planning for changes during a crisis. Most importantly, it provides a roadmap that nonprofit leaders can use to navigate ambiguity, embrace change, and forge a sustainable path toward growth and impact.
Meet our Current and Former Scholars
Visiting Scholars support the development of a research agenda to fill information gaps in sector-wide policy work and educate nonprofits about topics relevant to the scholar’s experience and expertise.
2023 – Present
2021 – 2023
2020 – 2021
2019 – 2020
University of Massachusetts–Boston
George Mason University
American University
George Mason University
For more information on this program, please contact publicpolicy@independentsector.org.
