NNIP Policy on Adding New NNIP Partner Organizations in Current NNIP Cities

Introduction

NNIP Partner organizations commit to providing local data intermediary services according to the NNIP model, and are held accountable for participating in the peer-learning network. Although NNIP generally admits one Partner organization per metropolitan area, the network recognizes that most urban areas have many local individuals and organizations providing data intermediary services.  

• In most cases, the network does not have a direct relationship with all these entities, but instead relies on the NNIP Partner organization as the point of contact for the metropolitan area. Our policy on the NNIP relationship to other local organizations suggests some light-touch, occasional ways that these organizations can be connected to the network.  

• If there is an individual providing intermediary services interested in participating in the network, it is most appropriate for them to apply to become an NNIP Associate. 

In some cases, it may make sense for additional organizations that provide data intermediary services in a metropolitan area to apply for admission to NNIP. For example, a current NNIP partner may provide technical assistance to nonprofits only in the central city, while another may publish and analyze data as part of a mission to advance sustainable regional policy. Or if an organization’s mission constrains them from fully performing a full set of data intermediary services, they may choose to establish a partnership with another organization that does complementary activities. 

Urban-NNIP staff would only issue an invitation to apply to join NNIP after a discussion with the current Partner organization to get their input and with the agreement of the NNIP co-directors. A representative from the proposed organization would also need to attend at least one Partners' meeting outside their own city before formally submitting the application (as required of new Partners generally). 

Application Process

Urban-NNIP will send the general NNIP Partner application materials to the candidate organization. The applicant organization would then complete the application and be evaluated based on the stated criteria with review by the NNIP Executive Committee, following the standard process. 

As with all partners, the newly-added organization would be held accountable by NNIP for continuing to perform data intermediary services locally, for following the NNIP code of conduct, and for participating in the network.