Our mission
The Center for Community and Nonprofit Studies (CommNS) is a hub for collaboration and exchange among faculty, students, and community partners. The CommNS fosters work and learning partnerships that advance the well-being of communities, as well as the civic and nonprofit sectors.
Our vision
The CommNS aims to be a globally recognized leader in inquiry and action for social change. Through this work, the CommNS seeks to realize the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea, creating impactful opportunities for collaboration and learning with communities around Wisconsin and the world.
Inquiry and Action for Social Change
Making connections
Community is a foundational pillar that informs both what we do and how we do it. Throughout the year, the CommNS brings together diverse stakeholders from the civil and nonprofit sectors to think and learn together about community well-being. These events also connect community partners with campus faculty and staff, sharing knowledge across research and practice to advance the field.
Visit our Calendar to find up-to-date information on CommNS convenings, presentations, and workshops. Past events will be updated to include video recordings, when available.
Collaboration
The work of the CommNS happens through collaboration among faculty and staff across the UW system, nonprofit practitioners, state and local leaders, and community members.
Co-Create is the engine for applied research and evaluation at the CommNS. Co-Create partners with community organizations to help answer community-identified questions. To learn more, visit the Co-Create page.
The CommNS is also a member of action coalitions in the nonprofit and civil sectors, including WisNRG and the Civic Health of Wisconsin initiative. These collaborative efforts bring together diverse stakeholders to catalyze systems and social change.