# UK and Canadian community foundations publish ‘report cards’ to guide grantmaking

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/10/07/uk-and-canadian-community-foundations-publish-report-cards-to-guide-grantmaking/
- Published: 2015-10-07T12:31:34+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**Fourteen community foundations in the UK and 26 in Canada have published Vital
Signs reports that measure the economic and social trends in their communities. 
The reports help guide local giving and share insight from community groups.**

Community foundations use the combined data and knowledge to inform community grant-
making, guide community engagement, and start conversations with local leaders and
partners.

The [Vital Signs](http://ukcommunityfoundations.org/programmes/vital_signs/) initiative
was started by the Toronto Foundation in 2001, and has now been adopted by more 
than 70 community foundations in eight countries around the world.

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> Vital Signs mobilise the power of community knowledge for greater local impact.

The United Kingdom’s 48 community foundations are part of a global network that 
includes more than 1,800 community foundations in more than 50 countries internationally.

In the UK, Vital Signs reports reflect quantitative and qualitative assessments 
conducted by local community foundations. They put a spotlight on lingering problems
such as poverty, social isolation, and youth and senior mental health.

Fabian French, Chief Executive of UK Community Foundations, said:

> “Vital Signs reports are more than just a snapshot of a community. They’re used
> as tools to guide local giving, showcase insight from community leaders, and share
> the opinions of individuals within a region. Many communities find Vital Signs
> reports lead to action, boosting both charitable giving and volunteering interest,
> which is then aimed at the right places and people.”

[Canada has 191 community foundation](http://communityfoundations.ca).

Ian Bird, President, Community Foundations of Canada, added:

> “Philanthropy is on the front lines of communities – a way of knowing what’s needed
> and when it’s needed most. Equipped with the wisdom and knowledge gained through
> Vital Signs we can have the courage to take action where our communities and countries
> need it most.”