Become a Partner

The Urban Institute, as coordinator of NNIP, manages the new partner application process.  The process for an organization (be it a single institution or formal collaboration) in a metropolitan area or rural county to apply to be an NNIP partner is outlined below.   Once NNIP accepts a partner organization into the network, we ask other organizations in the area who are interested in joining NNIP contact the local partner to discuss NNIP participation.

Selection Process

For organizations interested in joining NNIP, the selection process consists of the following steps:

  1. Email your interest to Kathy Pettit at kpettit@urban.org.
  2. Speak with UI staff to review the criteria for membership in NNIP and assess your organization's fit.
  3. Complete a formal application and data inventory and provide three references for your organization.  This includes a letter of intent  pledging to develop further local collaboration around NNIP functions in your area in the future.
  4. Applications are reviewed by UI staff and then presented to the Executive Committee, which decides if the application is ready to proceed or if there are additional questions for the potential partner to address. 
  5. If the Executive Committee endorses the application, then it is sent to all local partners for a one-week review period.
  6. If no serious concerns are raised, then the organization is accepted into the network.

 

On average, about two new partners are accepted each year. For more information about the membership criteria visit the NNIP Concept page.

Major Benefits of Membership

  • Access to a dynamic learning network of individuals working on common goals and struggling with similar challenges in their communities.
  • Invitation to in-person partnership meetings per year.
  • Eligibility to participate in cross-site projects (selection varies by project and funder).
  • Local projects and successes are highlighted on the NNIP Website and by UI Staff presentations to national forums and funders.
  • Demonstration of organizational capacity and connection to national policy and practitioner networks for local fundraising efforts.

 

Expectations for Partners

  • Maintain the NNIP standards in their home area.
  • Contribute to the knowledge sharing and supportive network of the partnership.
  • Submit updates on recent partner activities and data inventory at least semi-annually.
  • Regularly attend and participate in partnership meetings.
  • Recognize and promote the network as appropriate in presentations to local and national audiences.

 

Key Partner Characteristics

  • Stable institutional home.
  • Reputation of integrity with government and community groups.
  • Staff capacity to negotiate for administrative data, to handle data responsibly, and prepare and analyze a wide array of indicators for broader use.
  • Commitment to building a system with recurrently updated neighborhood level data (not only one-time projects).
  • Demonstrated commitment to democratizing information and strengthening distressed neighborhoods.
  • Experience of direct connection with local organizations or agencies using administrative address or neighborhood level data for advocacy, community organizing, program planning, or policy development.
  • Interest in multiple topic areas  (not a single-issue organization).
  • Evidence of collaboration/partnership with other local organizations, including other data/research organizations.