A Matter of Process and Product: Lessons from a Collaborative Research Project

Abstract

Community-based research has tremendous potential to successfully address the needs and priorities of a variety of groups and institutions, including higher education faculty, agency staff, local officials, and the philanthropic community. This article summarizes findings and lessons from a national two-year project that partnered university faculty and nonprofit/local government program staff in a collaborative research project. Based on longitudinal survey and interview data of faculty and program staff from 19 partnerships, we find that college and university faculty, higher education institutions, local governments and nonprofit organizations, and funders reap multiple benefits from engaging in community-based research. We also suggest steps each of these constituencies can take in order to forge successful partnerships that enhance knowledge and build stronger communities.