HBI conducts applied research on topics of interest and importance to nonprofit organizations, the nonprofit sector, nonprofit management and leadership, philanthropy, and related issues. Below are some of the applied research projects completed over the years.
The COVID-19 Effect on Wisconsin’s Nonprofit Sector
To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Wisconsin nonprofits’ ability to meet their community’s needs, the Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Milwaukee, in partnership with the Institute for Nonprofit Management Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and our affiliate faculty throughout the UW-System, will issue a series of surveys to nonprofit leaders throughout 2020-2022. The initial survey was launched in April 2020.
Wisconsin Nonprofit Personal & Professional Development Needs (2024)
We have uncovered the multifaceted dimensions of growth and development within this dynamic sector through meticulous data collection, surveys, and interviews with nonprofit professionals across the state. From honing leadership competencies to fostering work-life harmony, our report illuminates nonprofit workers’ diverse needs and aspirations, striving for excellence in their roles. By understanding these needs, organizations can cultivate supportive environments that nurture talent, drive innovation, and maximize impact.
Understanding & Supporting Milwaukee Nonprofits
During the autumn of 2019, The Helen Bader Institute for Nonprofit Management at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, in partnership with Project Pivot, surveyed Milwaukee nonprofit leaders to ask the question, “What do the nonprofits in our community need and how can those needs be met?” The study, guided by an Advisory Council, involved a survey of Milwaukee-area nonprofit organizations conducted by HBI. Our study of Milwaukee nonprofits and data analysis has been completed, and Project Pivot’s summary presentation of the survey results is now available. In addition, more detailed data is available for download.
Nonprofit Wisconsin: In Brief
This Wisconsin Nonprofit “Size & Scope” report provides an overview of the State’s nonprofit sector. The report is designed to promote an understanding of the importance of Wisconsin’s nonprofit sector to the well-being of Wisconsin’s citizens.
- Nonprofit Wisconsin: In Brief – Size and Scope & Economic Impact (2019)
- Nonprofit Wisconsin: In Brief – Size and Scope (2015)
Racial Diversity in the Staff Leadership of Milwaukee’s Nonprofit Organizations (2011)
This 2010 follow-up to “Leadership Diversity in Milwaukee-Area Nonprofits” aims to identify and explore successful strategies nonprofits use to recruit and retain people of color in top leadership and second-level positions in Milwaukee County. The longer-term goal is to use that information to increase the number of people of color in Milwaukee’s nonprofit leadership.
Leadership Diversity in Milwaukee-Area Nonprofits: A Benchmark Study (2008)
This study, commissioned by the Helen Bader Institute Diversity Committee, examines important questions regarding Milwaukee’s nonprofit sector, including: (1) How diverse is the sector’s top-level leadership? (2) Is the sector developing a diverse pool of emerging leaders? (3) Are there factors that predict nonprofit leadership diversity? (4) To what extent is the issue of nonprofit leadership diversity on Milwaukee’s radar screen? This and follow-up studies aim to determine whether local efforts to diversify Milwaukee’s nonprofit sector leadership are making a difference. [Overview Report]
Arts and Culture in Southeastern Wisconsin: The Public Speaks (2005)
This survey explores public participation in nonprofit arts and culture programs in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, assessing public support for these programs.
Wisconsin Nonprofit Capacity Building Survey (2005)
This survey of over 6,000 Wisconsin nonprofits assesses the feasibility of establishing a statewide association of nonprofits in Wisconsin.
Leadership Change in Nonprofit Milwaukee: Making Transitions Work (2005)
In the fall of 2004, nonprofit executive directors in the greater Milwaukee area were surveyed to gather information about the potential scope and impact of executive leadership turnover and inform strategies to address the pending shift in leaders. As part of the first national study of leadership transition in the nonprofit sector, the Milwaukee survey was one of 24 conducted nationwide.
Inventory of Latino Organizations in Metro Milwaukee (2003)
Funded by the Nonprofit Management Fund as part of the national Hispanics in Philanthropy Project, this CUIR project inventoried existing and emerging nonprofit organizations led or governed by Latinos and serving primarily Latino constituencies in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties.
Social Entrepreneurship Study (2003)
This research project was designed to learn more about the extent of social entrepreneurship activities among nonprofit organizations in the Greater Milwaukee area and their interest in further study of such ventures.