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Advancing Our Understanding of Impact Fellowships

Research and community are inextricably connected elements of how the Impact Fellowships Network (IFN), advances our understanding of the lasting social change fellowship programs create. Through our collaborative research model, we bring together diverse perspectives to explore emerging topics and uncover insights that strengthen fellowship programs across sectors and geographies.

“Through IFN, Global Health Corps connected and learned from similar organizations working to develop leaders. Building a community of practitioners helped strengthen how we measure programmatic impact and deepened our approach to systems-level change.” - Hannah Taylor, Global Health Corps

Collaborative Research 

IFN facilitates regular collaborative research initiatives by convening a consortium of partners to explore how fellowship participants drive change across all levels of society and to improve our collective programming. This research consortium is a dynamic space that brings fellowship practitioners together to learn from each other and co-create approaches that are relevant, responsive, and replicable to the broader impact fellowship sector.  In doing so, we deepen our understanding of fellowship impact while building a supportive community of practice. By joining a research consortium, fellowship programs gain:

• Strategic insights from comprehensive data analysis to enhance program effectiveness
• Connections with peer organizations in a vibrant learning community
• Expert guidance and capacity building in research methodologies
• Formal recognition in published research and sector communications
• Financial support to ensure meaningful participation
• Complimentary registration for two staff members at the annual Impact Fellowships Summit to share their experience with others

Research Engagement and Impact

The Fellowship Alumni Network Study (FANS) exemplifies this approach. This collaborative research initiative revealed valuable insights into how fellowship programs can amplify their alumni's capacity to drive positive social change. To date, IFN research consortia have included 40 fellowship programs reaching over 100,000 social impact leaders around the world.  By April 2026, IFN will publish 2 studies, 15 data collection templates and 6 research training videos through these collaborative research efforts.

Please note that research consortium opportunities are dependent on available funding. If you are interested in launching a research initiative with the IFN community, please reach out to us to identify a partnership opportunity.