The Success Lab takes an in-depth, case study approach to examining how environmental NGOs drive social and ecological change, grounding our research in the real-world practices, relationships, and strategies that make place-based conservation work.
In partnership with environmental NGOs and community-based organizations, we draw on social theory and applied research to develop new approaches to the problems that matter most in their communities. Our work does not just study ENGOs—it translates academic insights that are often inaccessible in practice into usable knowledge that organizations can immediately apply to shape their decision making, while advancing understanding of governance, transformational change, and the role of civil society in complex socio-ecological challenges.
By working closely with practitioners, we translate theory and evidence into actionable knowledge for organizations navigating rapid environmental and institutional change. A case study approach is central to this effort, enabling us to generate grounded insights through deep engagement with organizational contexts. Early findings highlight transferable practices in relational work, cultural competency, bridging roles between science and society, and fostering democratic engagement—capabilities that are increasingly critical as civil society organizations face heightened expectations, constrained resources, and growing uncertainty.
We focus on ENGOs operating in varied geographical and social contexts across the United States, enabling comparative insight while maintaining analytical depth. Our research seeks to understand the long-term social and institutional processes that shape how organizations drive social and environmental transformation. Through an applied, participatory approach—combining literature review with co-developed learning alongside practitioners—we aim to generate strategies that can be adapted and scaled across diverse social-ecological contexts.
