Abstract

Identifying community needs helps programs use resources more effectively to impact the areas of greatest need. This needs assessment process provides suggestions and worksheets for efficiently gathering and evaluating needs-assessment data from already existing sources. Excerpted from the Corporation for National and Community Service's Programming for Impact National Toolkit.

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Issue

Collecting data can be a time-consuming process. However, identifying partners and other sources in the community with existing community needs data can alleviate some of the burden.

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Action

Having a needs assessment process helps projects gather and utilize community needs data to work more efficiently through Programming for Impact. To make the best of existing sources:

• Call existing programs and find out what data or information is available. These programs may recommend other local or state agencies, university or national studies, or data that are available to substantiate need.
• Know what questions to ask when contacting an agency for information. Worksheets are provided that include checklists and questions enabling programs to determine exactly what needs information already exists.
• Use the information once it is gathered. Bring together project directors; review the information that has been found; determine whether sources are adequate or valid; if needed, use worksheets to gather additional information.

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Citation

Corporation for National Service. Programming for Impact National Toolkit, pp. IV-9 to IV-13.

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Posted On

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Source Documents

Related Practices

• Understanding performance measurement terminology as it relates to AmeriCorps programs
• Improving neighborhoods with web-based community mapping

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