Nonprofit Support
In today’s competitive environment, the use of hard data to demonstrate impact allows community agencies to secure funding. Needs assessments and other studies also help target services, allocate resources, identify emerging issues, and better serve marginalized communities. With a proven track record, The Institute provides creative research solutions to help non-profit organizations fulfill their missions and measure their effectiveness. These customized solutions shape program planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Institute has provided over $1 million in discounted or inkind services to small non-profit clients since its inception.
Information from The Institute’s Community-Based Research (consisting of the annual Indicators, data dashboard, subject matter studies, and the Economy and Policy Trackers) also provides organizations with insights for use in grantwriting, and for greater understanding of target markets as well as associated barriers and assets.
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization.
Research Analyst in 2022.
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.