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Research: Advancing the Field of Impact Fellowships

Research and evaluation stand at the heart of the Impact Fellowships Network (IFN), driving our understanding of how fellowship programs create lasting social change. Through our Research Consortium and Impact Fellowships Summit, we bring together diverse perspectives to uncover insights that strengthen fellowship programs worldwide.

Research Consortium

The IFN Research Consortium will bring fellowship practitioners together in a collaborative study to examine how fellowship participants drive change across all levels of society. This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of fellowship impact while building a supportive community of practice. By joining the 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 2026 Impact Fellowships Summit

Eligible consortium members include active fellowship programs with at least three years of implementation experience and a mission focused on positive social change.

Fellowship programs can engage through three distinct pathways: Network Partners, Co-Design Partners, and Impact Grant Partners. Learn more about these engagement tracks.

Learning and the Impact Fellowships Summit (IFS)

The Impact Fellowships Summit serves as a dynamic space for practitioners explore critical issues shaping the future of fellowship programs. Through focused discussions and research presentations, IFS embodies IFN's commitment to advancing field-wide knowledge and understanding of fellowship impact.

The Fellowship Alumni Network Study (FANS), supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 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.