UK and Canadian community foundations publish ‘report cards’ to guide grantmaking
Howard Lake | 7 October 2015 | News
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 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.
[quote align=”right” color=”#999999″]Vital Signs mobilise the power of community knowledge for greater local impact.[/quote]
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.
Ian Bird, President, Community Foundations of Canada, added:
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“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.”
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About Howard Lake
Howard Lake is consultant editor of UK Fundraising. He founded the site in 1994 and successfully sold it in 2022. As director of Giving X Ltd he is exploring growing giving on a massive scale.
He is the founder of Fundraising Camp and co-founder of GoodJobs.