Community Foundation Releasing Human Needs Assessment Report on August 29

FREDERICK, MD – August 8, 2011:  The Community Foundation of Frederick County will release the results of its recent Frederick County Human Needs Assessment study on Monday, August 29, 2011, at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend this important event, to be held at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, located at 40 South Carroll Street, Frederick. Those who plan to attend are asked to complete a short registration form by clicking here.

This report delivers information that is well-timed and of critical necessity to all residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, city and council agencies, and elected officials of Frederick County. The study was initiated to provide an unbiased report of the most pressing human needs in Frederick County. The Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance, with Johns Hopkins University, conducted the study, paying particular attention to the areas of health, basic human needs and financial sustainability, and youth issues. The report identifies key components in these areas based on quantitative and qualitative perspectives and provides an analysis of the supply of services available to meet these needs. It also considers gaps and duplication of services. A copy of the report and the executive summary will be available. An electronic copy of the report will be available after August 29 on the Community Foundation website.

The participants in the study were extensive and included focus groups, key informant interviews (with current and former elected officials, civic leaders, and nonprofit representatives), a survey of 111 service providers and a public survey.  Funding for the study was provided by the Ausherman Family Trust, Delaplaine Foundation, PNC Bank, United Way of Frederick County, and the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation will use the needs assessment information as it formulates plans to expand its strategic grantsmaking to create maximum impact. Benchmarks will be set to assess progress over the next 10 years. The first strategic grants will be announced in November at the 25^th Annual Report to the Community.

To learn more about how the Community Foundation impacts Frederick County please call 301.695.7660.