Research Initiatives

The Rural Philanthropy Institute, in partnership with The Numad Group and faculty at higher education institutions such as the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and Southern Methodist University, engage in academic research initiatives focused on the impact of the nonprofit sector in rural communities—and entire states. The research is interpreted and disseminated for the benefit of academics and practitioners.

Nonprofit Impact Studies

RPI completes research initiatives on nonprofit sector in rural states and regions. The most recent research study looked at the size, scope and economic contribution of the nonprofit sector in South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Iowa and Minnesota.

The research study will be published widely later this year.

Preferred Evaluator

Designated by the Sherwood Foundation (Nebraska) and the Bush Foundation (Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota), RPI’s leadership is a preferred provider of program evaluation services for nonprofit grant recipients in these states.