Frequently Asked Questions
Why and when should I partner with The Civic Research Alliance?
You should contact the Alliance when you need independent analysis of the types described in the Services section of this website. Our employees and associates serve as professional colleagues that you cannot, or may choose not to, provide on a full time basis.
What does the Alliance mean by independent, objective research?
The Alliance provides its clients with facts to promote decision making at the highest levels of confidence. Research and planning services are provided with no pre-conceived outcomes or ideological tilt. This process allows clients to move forward based upon evidence, facts and impartial information—giving credence to our studies and credibility to your constituents or customers. We follow the evidence and facts to wherever they lead, providing a final, impartial, non-partisan analysis for your use.
Where does the Alliance get its funding?
All funding is received from clients who partner with us for individual projects. The Alliance has no financial sponsors, no competing sources of operating funds, is not connected with any political group, and is not part of any umbrella organization. This allows the Alliance to directly and specifically do independent, objective work for clients. Our structure also minimizes overhead costs resulting in more affordable projects.
What if I want to partner with the Alliance but have no funds to pay for needed projects?
Contact us to work out actual costs and financial details. An advantage of working with the Alliance is access to resources from many organizations and Alliance partners. We will work with you to design affordable projects and realistic project expectations, perhaps on a “pay as you go” basis instead of a one-time payment. Please remember that a special mission and motivation of the Alliance is to work with potential clients to make projects happen when the probability of action is very low without the help of the Alliance.
Who “owns” the information, analysis and reports prepared by the Alliance?
Ownership of all materials, data and reports belongs to the client. The client has sole decision making authority over how materials are disseminated, or if there is or is not any sharing of information with the public. The Alliance does not speak for the client and will not release information to any party but the client. However, there are times when an analysis can be of use to peers and it is the mission of the Alliance to share findings among clients. This will happen only as permitted, in writing, by clients.