Behavioral Science Research Institute - BSRI

06/18/2026

BSRI Senior Research Associate Shawneaqua Edwards recently attended the Community Reinvestment Alliance of Florida's 2026 Summit. This year's theme, The Power of Partnership, drew community leaders, financial institutions, policymakers and advocates from across Florida to discuss how collaboration can expand access to capital and strengthen underserved communities.

Thanks to CRAF for convening such an important conversation, and to everyone working to expand economic opportunity across Florida.

06/17/2026

Our values have always guided how we work. As BSRI moves through this next chapter, they continue to show up in everything we do.

We listen. We put people first. We communicate with transparency. We believe in innovation and an abundance mindset. We get into good trouble. And we share our knowledge willingly and widely.

During this transition, BSRI is deepening its commitment to knowledge sharing to ensure that the tools, insights and lessons we have gathered over the years remain accessible and continue to strengthen the field. The resources we have built and the guidance we have developed are meant to live on, in the hands of the organizations, partners and communities doing this important work every day.

We are grateful for every partner, collaborator and community that has been part of this journey. And we remain committed to showing up with intention, every step of the way.

06/11/2026

A clear scope of work can make or break an evaluation partnership.

Whether you are hiring an external evaluator or providing evaluation services yourself, a well-structured scope helps align expectations, clarify responsibilities, and create a shared understanding of the work ahead.

Our new free template helps nonprofits, consultants, and program leaders define expectations, clarify roles, and build more accountable, collaborative evaluation agreements from the start.

Download it here: https://bsrinstitute.org/document/building-strong-evaluation-partnerships-a-practical-scope-of-work-template-for-evaluation-services/

Developing a clear scope of work is one of the most important steps in building a successful evaluation partnership. Whether you are hiring an external

06/05/2026

Why do federal reporting systems feel so overwhelming? Andrew Barron, Data Analyst II at BSRI, recently led the development of a practical guidance resource to support organizations navigating SAMHSA reporting with more confidence, fewer errors and a clearer path forward.

This guide breaks down a complex process into something usable, so teams can spend less time navigating government systems and more time focusing on impact.

Swipe through the carousel for a breakdown of what SAMHSA actually expects, how reporting requirements differ across funding mechanisms and BSRI's best practices for building a workflow that gets easier every quarter.

At its core, this strategy turns messy, overwhelming requirements into structured, decision-ready products.

Complex systems don't need to feel that way. Clear structure and preparation can make even the most demanding reporting requirements manageable.

06/04/2026

Listen in! BSRI Chief People Officer Melanie Gonzalez was recently featured on the Learning for Good podcast with host Heather Burright.

In this episode, Melanie dives into one of the most pressing challenges facing nonprofit leaders today: how do you build high-performing teams that stay engaged, grow their skills and strengthen organizational impact, especially with limited resources and flat organizational structures?

She and Heather explore intentional career pathing, aligning compensation philosophy with career progression, and building customized learning and development strategies that actually work for nonprofit teams.

If you lead people in the nonprofit sector, we highly recommend listening in! A big congrats to Melanie for sharing her approach in this episode.

🎧 Listen to the episode: https://apple.co/3Q4s6xd

📖 Read more on the blog: https://bit.ly/4obplXw

06/01/2026

Not everyone experiences extreme heat equally.

In many of our neighborhoods, limited shade, lack of cooling resources, and barriers to healthcare increase the risks of heat-related illness, especially for pregnant people.

Some communities face significantly higher temperatures due to lack of green space and tree canopy. Access to air conditioning is not equal. These are maternal and infant health issues.

In honor of last week's National Heat Awareness Day, we're joining The Women's Fund Miami in advocating for awareness, education, and equitable solutions that protect maternal and infant health for all communities in Miami-Dade.

Find cooling resources and learn more: womensfundmiami.org/heathealth

06/01/2026

AI is changing how evaluation gets done. But should it?

In his work, BSRI Research Associate Joshua Evans has seen AI help streamline evaluation processes and cut timelines in half. The opportunities to increase efficiency are real. But, there are risks.

"Evaluation cannot be fully automated because communities are not just data points."

AI can surface patterns, but it cannot replace the relationships, empathy and judgment needed to build evaluation designs and interpret data responsibly. Without human review, it can reinforce assumptions and pull us further from the lived experiences we are aiming to understand.

At BSRI, keeping community is at the center - it is not just a value. It is how we work.

Watch Joshua's full reflection in this video!

05/18/2026

AI can generate code, clean data and build dashboards faster than any analyst. So what's left for us?

Andrew Barron, BSRI Data Analyst II, breaks it down in this week's reel.

The technical skills that have long defined strong analysts are being challenged by AI. What AI can't replicate is the thinking behind the analysis. Collaborating in community meetings. Asking the right questions. Translating complex findings into decisions that actually move organizations forward.
At BSRI, that's the kind of work we're focused on. Not just transforming data, but transforming understanding.

The future analyst isn't a technician. They're a critical thinker, a translator and a decision partner.

What skill do you think will define the next generation of data analysts?

05/13/2026

Last week, BSRI CEO Angela Mooss and Senior Research Associate Shawneaqua Edwards joined nonprofit leaders, philanthropists and community advocates at the IGNITE! Annual Conference, presented by PhilanthropyMiami. IGNITE! is Miami's premier gathering for those committed to courageous leadership and building a stronger, more resilient community.

🗣️Angela shared, "One of my biggest takeaways from IGNITE! this year: people are the infrastructure behind impact. Strategy matters. Data matters. Sustainability matters. But none of it works without relationships, collaboration, and spaces where nonprofit leaders feel genuinely seen and supported. I'm leaving inspired by the collective energy in this community and the reminder that meaningful systems change is always powered by people first."

Thank you, PhilanthropyMiami, for creating a space where the sector can learn, connect and grow together.