Dr. Elizabeth Searing, Assistant Professor of Public and Nonprofit Management, has been awarded a highly selective Trans-Atlantic Partnership grant for the project “Balancing Trust and Accountability: Charities, Government, and Society.” Over the next three years, Dr. Searing’s international team will explore trust and accountability across four distinct country contexts: Canada, the U.K., Switzerland, and the U.S.
The project aims to map and analyze cross-sector perspectives on trust and accountability, considering the unique regulatory environments, levels of interpersonal trust, and societal attitudes towards public-serving institutions in each country. By focusing on the mutual perceptions among four key groups—operating charities, foundations, governmental agencies, and the general public—this research will offer valuable insights into how these dynamics play out in different national contexts.
Dr. Searing’s selection is particularly noteworthy given that only 18 projects worldwide received funding. Her project was awarded approximately $1.1 million, shared across the national funders of the four country teams. The 18 projects all aim to expand our knowledge of the key issues facing democracy, governance, and trust in the world today.