Background

The primary function of CRI’s annual community survey is to obtain locally derived data that can be used to guide nonprofit leaders as they make decisions that impact their community.  CRI developed the community survey for the Greater Grand Rapids Community in response to calls from nonprofit leaders for data to serve the following purposes:

·        Needs Assessments: Limited resources create an increased demand for community needs data

·        Accountability: Increased accountability requirements have nonprofit leaders searching for data that can demonstrate community wide impact

·        Data Driven Planning: Slowly a select group of nonprofit organizations in the community are transitioning to data driven planning.  These organizations need a reliable source for community data.

Gathering Local Data

The Community Survey is a two part telephone survey which utilizes a random sample.  The first part is composed of a series of core questions that explore the extent to which the basic needs of community members are being met.  The second part of the survey is a place for community partners to explore topics of their choice.  Questions are designed to gather information for any of the following purposes depending on partner needs:

·        Develop an accurate picture of the community

·        Understand community concerns

·        Explore the perceptions/attitudes of community members

·        Identify unmet needs

·        Determine priorities of community members

·        Gather information on use of services and resources

·        Align an organization’s goals with community needs

·        Ascertain the perceived value of an organization’s contributions

·        Inform policy

·        Evaluate community wide programs/campaigns

The Results

Over the years, many agencies within Kent County have partnered with CRI on the Annual Community Survey.  Examples include the Delta Strategy, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the Community Media Center, Heart of West Michigan United Way and the Doug and Maria DeVos Foundation.   Topics explored by partners include religion, education, civic engagement, computer use, literacy, the environment, early childhood development and many more.  As a result of having this data available for use by their agency, leaders of each organization were able to analyze and interpret the data to inform their internal decision making processes.  For example, in case of our foundation partners data obtained from CRI’s annual community survey has been used to inform funding priorities and grant impact.

Looking Towards the Future

Up until now, CRI has limited implementation of the annual Community Survey to Kent County.  In the upcoming year, CRI is interested in expanding the Community Survey to other West Michigan communities.  CRI will be actively searching for community partners.  Interested organizations can contact CRI at 331-7585 or ottenwko@gvsu.edu