Applied research
The INS draws on revenues from its endowment to support applied research activities relevant to Canada’s nonprofit sector. To focus these activities, the INS conducts and supports research within three broad streams:
Research priorities
- Governance within the nonprofit and social economy sector
- Sustainability of the nonprofit sector/ nonprofit organizations
- Policy modelling, analysis, design, critique
2010 - 2011 Applied Research Funding Program
Canada’s nonprofit sector includes approximately 161,000 organizations, two million employees and with annual revenues of $121 billion. Despite its size and economic significance it is one of the least researched aspects of the Canadian economy and society.
In part, the INS was established to address the lack of research into the nonprofit sector. The INS has a mandate to engage in and support research activities addressing issues within Canada’s nonprofit sector.
To do this, the INS invites applied research proposals from Mount Royal and other post-secondary institutions across the Canada.
The Institute for Nonprofit Studies is looking to provide funding support to approximately five research projects annually.
Funding has been made available through the endowment held by the INS.
The 2010-2011 Research Funding Program brochure provides complete details concerning the applied research program priorities and application guidelines. Please read this program brochure carefully to ensure that all the necessary information is included with your application.
Applied Research Application Forms
Please note that the next deadline for applied research and the first strategic partnership application application is May 10, 2010. A one-page Letter of Intent must be received on or before April 9, 2010.
Application guidelines for each program and the format for a Letter of Intent:
2010 - 2011 Applied Research Application
2010 - 2011 Letter of Intent
If you choose not to download and complete the forms in PDF format, your application must still be completed in the order and format outlined in the application.
Funded Research Projects
The INS is supporting the following applied research projects: (click on the blue links for more information)
- 2009-2010 Applied Research Program Fund recipients
- 2009 -2010 Graduate Student Research Awards
- Suzanne Cook, PhD Candidate (OISE/ University of Toronto) is being funded to continue her work to research the link between work skills and volunteering choices by new retirees;
- Gina Grosenick, PhD Candidate (Communications/ Carleton University) is being supported to examine the strategic communication practices of nonprofit organizations who advocate on issues of poverty, affordable housing, and homelessness.
- Straw, Sticks, Bricks: What is the Voluntary Sector really made of? (2009) Peter Elson, PhD Principal Investigator. This research is a longitudinal analysis of voluntary sector/ government relations in four provinces across Canada: British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
- A Comparison of Policy Frameworks for Social Enterprises and Nonprofits in Ontario and Quebec.(2009) Peter Elson, PhD Principal Investigator, and research assistants Robert Jones (Mount Royal) and Andres Gouldsborough (Concordia). This research compares government policies supportive of social enterprises and nonprofits. Also funded by SSHRC through the Social Economy Centre, University of Toronto.
- Governance in Arts and Culture Organizations. (2008) Anita Angelini, Principal Investigator, and Keith Seel, PhD. The research examines the uniqueness of governance within arts-based nonprofits.
- Governance in Sports and Recreation Organizations. (2008) Anita Angelini, Principal Investigator, and Keith Seel, PhD. The research examines the uniqueness of governance within faith-based nonprofits.
- Profile of Small and Rural Charities in Canada. (2008) Keith Seel, PhD and Cliff Spyker, MBA. This research uses the Canada Revenue Data Base to assess the financial profile of both small charities (under $100,000 in annual revenues) and rural charities.
- Organizational Precursors that Lead to Conditions of Cooperation, Collaboration or Conflict Between Nonprofit and Private Organizations. (2008) Dr. Paul Varella Principal Investigator. This research explores the drivers of the relationship between private companies and NPOs; specifically, it is an attempt to understand the conditions under which such relationships lead to cooperation, collaboration or conflict.
- Governance in Faith-based Organizations. (2007) Anita Angelini, Principal Investigator, and Keith Seel, PhD. The research examines the uniqueness of governance within faith-based nonprofits.
- Nonprofit Education Portal. (2007) Naheed Nenshi, Principal Investigator. This research examines the courses and curriculum content of nonprofit management programs across Canada.
- Disability Policy in Alberta: An Initial Exploration of Transition Implications. (2007) Dawne Clarke, PhD, Principal Investigator, Mitchell Clark, PhD, and Keith Seel, PhD. The research examines what happens to families and service providing organizations at the transition point between two disconnected policy envelopes.
For more information contact
Peter R. Elson PhD
Senior Research Associate
Phone: 403.440.8722
Fax: 403.440.8811
E-mail: pelson@mtroyal.ca
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