Needs assesment

Purpose of Data Collection

• Needs Assessment: Collecting data primarily serves as a needs assessment to determine future funding needs.

• Proactive Grant Making: The goal is to shift towards more proactive grant allocation by identifying and reaching out to nonprofit organizations needing assistance, rather than waiting for requests from them.

• Community Insight: Understanding community needs helps in targeting areas that require support, leading to efficient allocation of resources.

Data Sharing Strategy

• Transparency: The collected data will be shared openly to enhance transparency between stakeholders.

• Online Platforms: Utilizing the BCCF website and potentially other mediums like local newspapers or school networks to disseminate results and insights.

Survey Questions Overview

• Demographic Questions: Common questions related to race, gender identity, and sexual orientation are crucial for assessing community demographics but must be approached sensitively.

• Safety Concerns: Specific focus on questions related to safety for LGBTQ+ individuals could identify disparities in safety perception within the community.

• Public Act 226 Committee: Familiarity with the PA 226 committee is important, as it governs how surveys must be conducted in schools, specifically regarding sensitive topics like mental health and sexual identity.

Data Utilization

• Safety Analysis: After gathering responses, the data can be analyzed by correlating demographic information with feelings of safety (e.g., are LGBTQ individuals more likely not to feel safe?).

• Population-Specific Insights: The intention is to derive insights regarding community-specific issues, such as whether certain religious or cultural groups are facing particular challenges (e.g., feeling unsafe).

Current Financial Situation Insights

• Recognizing the current financial status of respondents can highlight if those in poverty feel their basic needs are not met. These insights could guide targeted funding initiatives.

Mental Health Questions

• Indicators of Access: Questions regarding access to mental health support can provide insight into the overall mental health landscape among youth.

• Sensitivity Considerations: Avoid directly asking about diagnoses to prevent unintentional disclosure of confidential information; focus instead on experiences and support needs.

Discussion Points on Survey Design

• Feedback from Organizations: Seek input from local nonprofit organizations and agencies that serve youth to fine-tune survey questions to ensure they meet community needs.

• Privacy Concerns: It's crucial to protect anonymity and avoid accidental identification in survey responses, especially regarding sensitive topics like mental health and identity.

Recommendations for Survey Implementation

• Utilize Likert Scales: Suggested use of Likert scales for multiple-choice questions to gauge comfort and support levels, ensuring clear distinctions are made in the responses.

• Open-Ended Questions: Incorporate space for open-ended responses to allow for qualitative insights alongside quantitative data.

• Avoid Overloading Questions: Ensure questions are straightforward and avoid combining multiple inquiries into one question, to maintain clarity.

Concluding Thoughts

• Actionable Outcomes: The emphasis should remain on gathering data that leads to actionable outcomes—data that can inform funding decisions and resource allocation.

• Impact on Future Generations: The data gathered will not only impact current funding but can shape future initiatives that address ongoing community needs.