NNIP Policy on Non-Partner Local Organizations in NNIP Cities

Introduction

Coordinated by the Urban Institute, the National Neighborhood Indicators Partnership (NNIP) helps local communities use data to shape strategies and investments so that all neighborhoods are places where people can thrive. One of NNIP’s values is that “collaboration speeds progress.” We know local partners connect changemakers in their cities to create a shared understanding of community issues, codevelop solutions, and build a culture of using data to advance equity.   

We encourage partners to share lessons with other local organizations from partner meetings and NNIP network interactions. For example, partners may report back after the NNIP partner meetings through blogs or local gatherings, and host periodic meetings where they can share other relevant updates from the network. NNIP partner organizations also often act as conduits to local experts and practice examples in their cities that could benefit the network. Consistent with our 2024-26 strategic framework, NNIP is exploring opportunities to engage more local organizations across the country to better disseminate examples and lessons from the network. 

Organizations in partner cities that are not NNIP partners generally do not have ongoing direct contact with the network. Keeping participation in NNIP activities limited to partner organizations, such as the partners’ meeting and discussion groups, helps build community among peer organizations and results in more productive interactions with staff who have established trust with each other and share the NNIP mission and values. 

General Guidelines

• Partner organizations may recognize other local organizations as collaborators in their partner profile description on the NNIP website if they choose. 

• If there is a webinar with a topic of particular interest to other local organizations, partner staff may request that Urban-NNIP staff include them in the invitations. There is no defined limit on the number of local organizations for webinar invitations, but Urban-NNIP staff will balance the considerations of keeping the webinars productive to partners when considering such requests.  

• On occasion, an NNIP partner may wish to invite guests from other local organizations or their own board members to the in-person partner meetings for a variety of reasons - a new close collaborator in NNIP-related functions, a very-involved funder, or someone with particular expertise on a topic of current interest to share with the network. Partner organizations may request invitations from Urban-NNIP for up to two individuals from other local organizations as guests to the meeting. These guests will pay the regular registration fee that we charge guests.  

• Partner organizations are encouraged to collaborate with other local organizations in applying for cross-site projects, as long as the partner organization also has a defined role.