Commitment reflects our promise to be a reliable resource for the community. It’s about taking action that ensures stability, upholds trust, and promotes equity, guaranteeing that the decisions made today will safeguard and enhance the long-term prosperity of Portage and Waushara Counties. We pledge to continuously learn and adapt to meet the evolving opportunities of our region.
Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin | Values Statement
At the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, we’ve been talking about using data to better understand our community and make a bigger impact. Last year, we published a blog post entitled, From Insight to Impact: How data can inform next steps in our community and at our Foundation. Our focus was centered on two valuable data resources for our community: the Life Report and Portage County Conduit.
This August, join us for an interactive Community Lunch Hour session on Essentials of Data Storytelling to sharpen your skills.
In the meantime, continue reading for an example of how we’ve been putting data to work:
Getting Started: Assessing What We Know
In 2023, we set out to improve our Community Grants Program. Using our refreshed Strategic Framework as a guide, we began by gathering information. We pulled grants data, interviewed key stakeholders, and held staff strategy meetings to sort through the noise and identify what mattered most.
Learning Exchange: Building Knowledge Together
Next, we expanded our knowledge by inviting representatives from nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies to share their insights. We hosted the Learning Exchange, a one-day event with 58 community members. This event was an important demonstration of our commitment to continuous improvement and trust-based philanthropy. The Learning Exchange allowed us to:
- Gather information from community partners to improve our grants process.
- Understand the current and desired impact of our grantmaking.
- Provide opportunities for participants to connect with the Community Foundation and each other.
To capture ideas, participants jotted down their insights on sticky notes. We designed the day to cater to different engagement styles, ensuring everyone could contribute comfortably. Our goal was to ensure that data gathering wasn’t just extractive; we wanted our partners to leave with valuable insights, new connections, and a sense of being heard. The event was a hit, with many eager to stay connected or join the next Learning Exchange.
Turning Insights into Action
After everyone left, we had 90 flip charts to sift through, revealing patterns, key findings, and recommendations for our Community Grants Program. Our Community Storyteller led the qualitative analysis work, integrating others’ input throughout the analysis process. Staff were invited to engage with the data by organizing and labeling key sticky notes into larger themes. The board received a comprehensive report and presentation to discuss the findings. While rigorous data analysis is crucial, incorporating insights from others helps clarify, make sense of what we’re seeing, and validate the findings.
Sharing Our Findings: Data to Action
Some of our data has already transformed into action. Check out our video on Community Grants Program updates: YouTube Video. Other insights are available in a public report (LINK). We invite you to read more about what we learned about our community. Here are some highlights:
Finding 1: Community Champions live and work here.
Participants expressed a commitment to fostering community strength and unity, capturing the feeling that we thrive most when we work collaboratively. Their motivation is deeply rooted in a vision of a stronger future for our community. Their organizations are key contributors, offering distinct skills and playing vital roles in addressing the community’s unmet needs.
One 2024 Learning Exchange participant stated, “We are professionals with specific knowledge to address the issue as well as wider knowledge of other resources available.”
Finding 2: Connections make the work better.
Participants shared that they built ties for their organization by being authentic, open, and honest from the start. They focus on doing their work well, believing that a solid reputation will naturally follow into the community. They are committed to listening and using intentionality to foster open lines of communication.
Connection is the foundation of a resilient society where everyone feels they belong, differences are celebrated, and every story is valued. Our strength comes from the bonds between people, places, and ideas. It’s the joy of discovering how each person can contribute and collaborate on a shared path toward a brighter, more interconnected future.
Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin | Values Statement
Finding 3: Data is a tool for greater impact.
Community-oriented organizations in our region aim to impact a broad spectrum of community aspects. These organizations strive to make tangible improvements in community well-being and connectivity, utilizing data to inform and propel their efforts forward, despite facing challenges in data engagement and analysis.
Learn with Us
Curious to learn more about what we discovered? Explore the full Learning Exchange: Community Partners Report and see how we use data to understand our community (LINK).
Be sure to check out our Community Lunch Hour session on Essentials of Data Storytelling (LINK)!
Photography from www.sarahwimmersteffen.com