Blog

Unlocking Powerful Insights from Your Community

A community needs assessment is a structured process nonprofits use to identify the most pressing needs, strengths, and priorities within the communities they serve. It combines stakeholder input, demographic research, interviews, surveys, and other data to help organizations make better strategic decisions.

Nonprofits exist to solve problems, create opportunities, and improve lives. But communities are constantly changing. Demographics shift. New challenges emerge. Funding priorities evolve. What mattered five years ago may not be the community's greatest need today.

That creates an important leadership question:

During visits to Chicago in a former job, I was struck by an unusually designed building across the Chicago River. This two-acre lot had previously sat undeveloped for decades while stakeholders sought a way to utilize the space for maximum efficiency and impact. 

This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign.  Today, Jon and Sara share the early steps in recruiting your Leadership Cabinet.

This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign.  Today, Jon and Sara share what you should look for as you build your Leadership Cabinet.

This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign.  Today, Jon poses an important question as you identify prospects for your capital campaign.

This month, the Donor By Design Team is discussing campaign readiness: the things that (should) happen before you begin a major fundraising campaign.  Today, Jan shares how important it is that leaders are able to share your story with passion.