Research Symposium

BIO

Brianna Zapata is a first-generation Colombian student from Miami, FL. Brianna's academic journey reflects her passion for sustainability, urbanism, and the environment, evident in her pursuit of a dual degree in Environment and Society and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. Brianna hopes to pursue a career focused on urban policy and community development, in which she can help create more equitable and environmentally responsible cities. Outside of academics, Brianna enjoys staying active through Pilates, yoga, and dancing, and spending time cooking, baking, and caring for her plants and her cat, Pachito.

Bridging the Gap: Understanding Nonprofit Evaluation Needs in Tallahassee

Abstract

Collaboration among nonprofit organizations is increasingly important for addressing complex social challenges, such as affordable housing and community development. Many housing and service organizations work toward similar goals, yet limited research exists on how these organizations collaborate and what barriers prevent effective partnerships. This research examines nonprofit collaboration in the housing and community development sector, focusing on how organizations coordinate resources, share information, and collaborate to support communities.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this study collects data through a survey distributed to nonprofit organizations involved in housing, community services, and social support programs. The survey explores factors such as partnership experiences, communication practices, organizational capacity, and perceived barriers to collaboration. Preliminary findings suggest that while many organizations recognize the value of partnerships, challenges such as limited funding, poor coordination, and difficulty identifying appropriate partners often limit deeper collaboration.
Understanding these barriers can help nonprofits strengthen partnerships and improve service delivery to communities in need. By identifying strategies that strengthen nonprofit collaboration, this research aims to contribute to more effective coordination among organizations working to address housing and social service challenges.

Keywords: Nonprofits Housing Collaboration Community Partnership