The Tropman Committee, comprised of nonprofit executives, philanthropic and academic leaders, selects the research topic based on community trends and needs.
Annually since 2001, the Tropman Committee has reviewed trends that arise through grantmaking and sector leadership activities and presented these research findings at The Forbes Funds' Annual Research Conference, as well as in print via the Tropman Reports. Tropman research typically focuses on topics that are critically important in the nonprofit sector, and it is designed to provide practical information on strategic issues.
In 2010, The Forbes Funds conducted an evaluation of the Tropman Applied Research Agenda and redesigned its agenda to include three research products:
- Soundings: Taking the "pulse" of the nonprofit sector on a specific timely and relevant issue
- Sector Trends: In-depth analysis of an issue affecting the nonprofit sector
- Management Excellence: Showcasing best practices in change management
This combination of research products will allow us to respond to immediate needs and follow complex issues while continuing to feature best practices in nonprofit management.
Research topics include:
- benchmarks
- capacity building
- compliance
- faith-based human service organizations
- governance/boards
- human services
- impact on the regional economy
- leadership
- public opinion
- quality standards
- revenues and resources
- social return on investment/social enterprise
- strategic planning
- strategic restructuring (collaboration/merger)
- volunteer management.
The next Tropman Applied Research Annual Conference will take place in May, 2012. To view materials from the most recent conference, go to the Annual Research Conference page. To view past research, and search by topic area, year, product line, or keyword.