Common Interest Groups

Specialized Networks

CIGs bring together ARNOVA members with shared research interests in emerging or specialized areas — fostering collaboration, conversation, and community around focused topics.

Active Common Interest Groups

Arts and Culture Chair: Joanna Woronkowicz — Indiana University Research on arts nonprofits, cultural organizations, and the intersection of philanthropy and creative sectors.	Associations and Membership Organizations Chair: Shugo Shinohara — Osaka University Study of member-based organizations, trade associations, professional societies, and civic clubs.
Catholic Social Thought and Nonprofit/NGO Studies Chair: Daniel Escher — Hope College Exploring Catholic social teaching as a lens for understanding civil society and organizational ethics.	Environment and Sustainability Chair: Cassandra Warrick — Ohio State University Environmental nonprofits, sustainability initiatives, and the role of civil society in addressing climate challenges.
Global South Perspectives Chair: Doruk Ilgaz — Arizona State University Centering civil society research from developing countries and Global South contexts.	Impact Measurement and Evaluation Chair: Jodi Benenson — University of Nebraska Omaha Methods and frameworks for assessing nonprofit effectiveness, program evaluation, and social impact.
Islamic Philanthropy Chair: Sara Minard — Indiana University Research on zakat, waqf, sadaqah, and the broader landscape of Islamic charitable traditions and institutions.	Nonprofit Law and Regulation Co-Chairs: Adin Dowd and Chris Leon Legal frameworks, tax-exemption policy, and regulatory environments shaping nonprofit organizations.
Place-Based Philanthropy Chair: Tory Martin — Grand Valley State University Community foundations, place-based giving, and locally-rooted philanthropic investment strategies.	Scholars of Color Collective Chair: Seun Adeyemi — Texas Southern University Supporting the development and advancement of ARNOVA scholars of color through community and mentorship.
Technology and Nonprofits Chair: Mirae Kim — George Mason University Digital transformation, data analytics, AI, and the role of technology in nonprofit operations and fundraising.	Volunteerism and Civic Engagement Chair: Robert Grimm — University of Maryland Volunteer management, civic participation, service learning, and the motivations behind prosocial behavior.