NNIP PARTNERS
PARTNER REQUIREMENTS

To become an NNIP Partner, an institution must demonstrate that the following are central to its mission: (1) building and operating an advanced information system with integrated and recurrently updated information on neighborhood conditions in its city; (2) facilitating and promoting the direct practical use of data by community and city leaders in community building and local policymaking; and (3) giving emphasis to using information to build the capacities of institutions and residents in distressed neighborhoods. The candidate must either have already built such a system and be operating it in this manner or have made demonstrable progress toward doing so.

When an organization (single institution or formal collaboration) in a metropolitan area or rural county applies to become an NNIP partner and meets the threshold criteria, that organization will be accepted, as NNIP’s expansion schedule permits (see section on Selection Process below). That organization must pledge, however, to develop further local collaboration around NNIP functions in its area in the future. Accordingly, NNIP accepts only one partner (single institution or formal collaboration) from any one metropolitan area or rural county. If other organizations there want to participate in NNIP, they must apply to the initial local partner and work with them to establish a broader formal collaboration, consistent with NNIP principles.

Selection Process

From 2007 through 2010, NNIP expects to accept an average of four new partner organizations per year. Interested organizations can send in a statement of interest to Kathy Pettit, Co-Director of NNIP, at kpettit@urban.org.

The selection process works as follows:

1. Current local partners and Urban Institute (UI) staff are often contacted by groups in other communities that have heard about NNIP and are interested in developing similar capacities. These groups often express interest in joining the partnership.
2. After some initial conversations with the interested organization, UI staff determines whether the organization seems to meet the requisite criteria. The organization is then asked to complete the formal application, which includes questions about candidate’s mission, activities and institutional relationships. NNIP also requests contact information for three references from local institutions, such as United Way, local government, or neighborhood groups.
3. The UI then reviews the applications with the Executive Committee. The Committee discusses the candidates and sends its recommendations (along with supporting materials) to all current local partners. Partners are asked to respond only if they have serious reservations about a candidate. (If notice of any such reservations are received, the Executive Committee reviews the case and decides whether the candidate should move forward.)
4. On behalf of the Partnership, the UI then invites the successful candidates to send in a formal application letter. The letter must confirm the intentions of the group to perform the required NNIP functions over the long term; further document plans and progress made toward achieving them; and state the institution's commitment to support NNIP and comply with the all Partnership requirements.

The benefits to Partners are recognition as a Partner in the NNIP web site and NNIP publications; invitations to general meetings of NNIP; and opportunities to participate in cross-site projects.

A directory of NNIP Partners can be found on this web site.

For additional information, e-mail NNIP at nnip@ui.urban.org.