Substantial gaps in issue-area knowledge hinder the ability of our community to define goals and objectives, test assumptions and strategies, and evaluate efforts. The Nexus Fund supports research projects that advance the knowledge of the community. Research projects supported by The Nexus Fund feed into regular convenings and other learning opportunities, and the research agenda is shaped with direct input from practitioners.
Mapping Our Community
During a 2011 convening to end mass atrocities, practitioners observed that because our community is only beginning to grapple with its complexity and global scale, the basic identification of actors, approaches and issues is a necessary step in building and strengthening networks of practitioners. In response to this need, The Nexus Fund’s first research project is to create a geographic and issue-area map of the community, in order to facilitate networking and collaboration, and will make this information available to all practitioners to use as they see fit. The first pieces of this mapping are to:
(1) Identify the organizations and individuals working in our community, as well as identify gaps and areas of need; and
(2) Better understand the lay of the land in nations considered to be emerging powers, such as South Africa, India, Brazil, Indonesia and China.