Selected work

A deeper look at selected projects.

The homepage gives a quick read. This page goes deeper into the question, approach, and impact behind three representative examples.

Audris with Sloane at CARE Watch video

Organizations Research Gurus has supported

Candid Surdna Foundation CARE Love for Animals The California Endowment The James Irvine Foundation Heising-Simons Foundation Two Six Technologies The Foundation for Delaware County U.S. Department of State Weingart Foundation Viewpoint Consulting GFEMS Peak Grantmaking Maddie's Fund

Selected projects

National studyMixed methodsEconomic inclusion

Expanding access to economic opportunity in the pet industry.

Research Gurus partnered with Companions and Animals for Reform and Equity (CARE) on a national project designed to understand the size and scope of the pet and animal welfare industries, estimate their economic impact, and identify more inclusive economic pathways for BIPOC communities.

The question

How can CARE better understand representation, economic contribution, and opportunity gaps across the Human and Animal Wellbeing sector?

What we did

  • Conducted a literature review and secondary data collection process.
  • Designed and executed national surveys and interviews.
  • Developed economic estimates and scenario-based analysis.
  • Helped translate findings into a public-facing report and presentation.

Impact

This work gave CARE an evidence base for future advocacy, investment, and program design—while helping the field better understand barriers and opportunities for BIPOC participation in the sector.

Preview for CARE case study video Watch video
Demographic dataField scanStrategy support

Advancing demographic data collection in philanthropy.

Research Gurus supported multiple projects related to demographic data collection, analysis, and reporting—helping organizations better understand both internal demographics and the populations they serve or fund.

The question

How can foundations and related organizations collect demographic data more effectively, more inclusively, and in ways that support better decisions?

What we did

  • Supported literature review, survey planning, and mixed-methods research.
  • Reviewed barriers and incentives to demographic data collection and sharing.
  • Helped refine survey questions and organizational data practices.
  • Contributed to public-facing materials and presentations for broader field learning.

Impact

The work helped clients and partners better understand field practices, improve demographic data quality, and move toward more informed and inclusive decision-making.

Preview for demographic data presentation Watch video
Quantitative analysisLongitudinal workReporting

Identifying trends in pet foster care to improve animal welfare.

Research Gurus partnered with Maddie’s Fund to explore the evolving landscape of dog and cat foster care in the United States using data from multiple survey waves.

The question

What patterns and changes in foster care practice can help Maddie’s Fund better understand the landscape and strengthen future strategy?

What we did

  • Cleaned and structured foster care survey data across multiple waves.
  • Conducted analysis to surface trends and meaningful comparisons across waves.
  • Prepared a concise report with tables and visualizations.
  • Co-presented findings for a broader animal welfare audience.

Impact

The resulting analysis helped Maddie’s Fund better understand changes in foster practice over time and supported stronger strategy, communication, and future learning in the field.

Preview for National Foster Care Survey presentation Watch video

Think we can help?

Let’s talk about your project.

If your work involves data, stakeholders, and decisions that matter, Research Gurus can likely help.