By James McKinnon, JVA Consulting

After countless hours combing academic databases, plenty of time getting cozy with data analysis software and one road-trip, JVA Consulting’s Innovation Lab was ready to present the initial results of its first “portfolio project,” Success in Fundraising, at the annual Western Social Science Association (WSSA) conference in Albuquerque, N.M.

As the lead researcher on the project, I had the pleasure of presenting the findings to an audience of academics from across the western United States, many of whom offered positive feedback and avenues for future research.

The conference was JVA’s initial contact with WSSA, and the community of researchers who whole-heatedly commit to investigating issues that have tangible consequences for nonprofits across the region was impressive. Leading-edge research into Social Return on Investment (SROI), measurements of community benefits from health care institutions and grant development were but a few of the projects that will, in due time, benefit the sector (and society) as a whole.

It was inspiring to be at a gathering that fostered deep collaboration and feedback among the attendees. From the opening session it was clear that participants had come to engage in thoughtful dialogue, rather than a one-way transfer of information via speeches. The conference provided an opportunity to engage the power of collaboration, as experts from different fields offered their collective feedback to each participant. While the conference provided a strong forum for sharing research, one “value add” for attendees was the opportunity to crowdsource ideas from a smart and diverse crowd.

Overall, the conference was an excellent introduction to a community of researchers committed to making a difference in the nonprofit and public administration worlds. It was exciting to glean new insight from these individuals and to be a part of helping JVA establish its voice in the academic community, and the WSSA, through sharing the results of the Innovation Lab project.