Research

We build collaborative partnerships to gather stories and insights that lead to strategic decision-making and systems change.

  • Community assessments

    Using surveys, interviews, financial analysis, focus groups, and spatial-asset mapping to create a holistic picture of each community

  • Market & feasibility studies

    Analyzing the viability of initiatives through in-depth data collection, listening sessions, case studies, and cost projections

  • Evaluative research

    Evaluating the effectiveness of programs and services to understand what’s working and what can be improved

Grounded in community and collaboration

Our team uses a participatory, whole systems approach to support long-term development, combining experience and data to understand how an organization can improve and grow.

Our work with Sweet Grass has helped us raise the voice of our neighbors who live challenging lives in an area that has been purposefully and historically ignored for generations.

– JULIE KEEL, MOUNTAIN T.O.P.

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We help build a clear picture of your community, so that programs and services can be designed to address your specific needs and priorities.

We use participatory methods to support:

Economic & workforce development

  • Workforce readiness

  • Business planning and improvement

  • Financial education

  • Tourism initiatives

Community & social well-being

  • Housing access and equity

  • Youth services

  • Social justice

  • Arts enrichment

Health & food sovereignty

  • Community health and well-being

  • Food and agricultural sovereignty

Featured projects

  • Buffalo grazing in green field with clouds above.

    Find Your Story: Texas Indigenous Data Sovereignty Study

    Texas Tribal Buffalo Project

    Learn more →

  • Food Systems Study: Exploring the Local Food Economy of the Oglála Lakhóta Oyáte

    Makoce Agriculture Development

    Learn more →

  • Professional woman working on a laptop inside a cafe.

    Native CDFI Workforce and Professional Development Study

    NACDC Financial Services

    Learn more →

  • Large green field of short crops in the bright sun.

    California Department of Food and Agriculture Listening Sessions Report

    California Department of Food and Agriculture

    Learn more →

  • "I know that you put a lot of heart and intent into your work up here and I just want to thank you. Most people will never see your efforts or how they impact the work but the contribution you are making will lead to transformative change for many."

    Nick Tilsen, Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation

  • "[Sweet Grass] has been very attentive to our needs not only with the survey but other components of our organization. [Their] staff is always available to assist and teach our staff about their programs when called upon which is greatly appreciated!"

    Izel Lopez, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project

  • "It was my pleasure working with you and your staff . . . in seeking ways to find justification and answers in how we need to move forward in providing housing opportunities for our community."

    Donovan Vicenti, Pueblo of Jemez Housing Authority

  • "Thank you for going above and beyond to help us meet our grant reporting deadline for the survey!!"

    Izel Lopez, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project

  • "Michael and team are great to work with. Capable of understanding the issues of indigenous communities and assisting in assessing much needed data in Indian country. They are willing to help train our staff so we can do the work ourselves in current and future projects."

    Lucille Contreras, Texas Tribal Buffalo Project