--- title: Co-Creation Labs Assessment description: Learn how to lead your community toward change and build momentum around the documented needs with a participation-based community needs assessment. --- [![co-creation labs-cream](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/co-creation%20labs-cream.svg "co-creation labs-cream")](https://www.cocreationlabs.org) Open main menu ![co-creation labs-cream](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/co-creation%20labs-cream.svg "co-creation labs-cream") - [NonProfit Community Assessments](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/non-profit-community-needs-assessment) - [Community Assessment Kit](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/community-assessment-kit) - [LIVE! Labs for Churches](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/live-labs-churches) - [Accelerator](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/accelerator) - [About & Mission](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/about) Close main menu # How Communities Solve Their Biggest Challenges by Activating Compassion # [![Be the Change Leader](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8446071/de53a167-58e4-45e2-8bc1-a21f1c90a053.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8446071/de53a167-58e4-45e2-8bc1-a21f1c90a053)   Events and Opportunities | MEETING NOW ##### Catalytic Entrepreneurs Bi-monthly entrepreneur's group exploring the keys to creating catalytic impact and becoming a catalytic leader.    [Details](https://www.cocreationlabs.org#calendar) | | --- |   | APPLICATIONS OPEN ##### Start-up Accelerator For startup and seed-stage ventures, social enterprises, and nonprofits positioning for growth and impact.    [Details](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/non-profit-community-needs-assessment-0) | | --- |   | NOW ACCEPTING ##### Pop-up Market Research Entrepreneurs test or improve your product or service in live customer settings along with coaching and support.   **[Details](https://share.hsforms.com/1pIaHqh2uR9imxjbtzUVFPA51113)** | | --- |   ##### Events & Opportunities: Current events and opportunities that are shaping growth and communities. ##### Meeting Now ### Catalytic Entrepreneurs Bi-monthly entrepreneurs' group exploring the keys to creating catalytic impact and becoming a catalytic leader.  [![Details](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8446071/interactive-164961811001.png)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKfHR8NFpbc3FasUXetNUdmqig4sQEBiKRHVs9CY0VBWRUcBxdEPyUlVG9ivusrQwmnMUUthktDqxbQ5MqL6qtOvpZ3luctFmAQLCQx2xxy%2FN9HFQJk9L55SScXlN%2FK9txDETlKu8S5ds4y%2B4JNnVVAOn9kXwPNGQexJedazm7cMIhu8sAMR7qQ3tRACqfPXecco8yJNUNl5ffI2Gc%2Bg8Xv1xiMuCuGarRbEwgKAhx3aHt1mTZWZNuT428pBA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=164961811001&portalId=8446071) ##### Starting Soon: ### Brand Disciples Accelerator For start-up and seed-stage ventures, social enterprises & nonprofits positioning for growth & sustainable impact. [![Accelerator Info](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8446071/interactive-164961811078.png)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLID3ZNuTDMn2DmqIpp%2FwhC1sgxvuU7SgoE209%2F6B6NybqWBO%2BtprE6WF3654%2FFBQzFCcpkqNwHd2Y0ovHpEaxCPz%2FDT8kbaI%2FRd91Hkx6yyxL0YwBAuhR7WwNthveCp2x%2FVTv7tf%2Ff7Al3Cy2ovIiDEmo5Lw1yXdaw1%2BrZxkflbA%2Bf8TAyDbGR99GY0lah78pGOudARxKI9sNHj4KTY4%2FOJIKapztIJmVE%3D&webInteractiveContentId=164961811078&portalId=8446071)   ##### Our Mission ### the Co-Creation Labs Why ...is the capacity building arm of Capacity to Serve, a 501c3 Nonprofit that is bridging the gap between catalytic resources & communities. We build the capacity for sustainable high. impact community change. [![More about our mission](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8446071/interactive-164976114339.png)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIkdIxrhfK5EjgtcJe7ALI7bj0Wk63PchCS36Ggux4nsjne%2FFPZXucvfx%2BZqBp%2BuoLZAhNtBZubC7b%2FfXEeQK2NiU4yhK5gpiArHDEPsm4zAsNkmMXyZN%2FYRXnOh%2FNOAD7TPtMaEPWIUtCUR9ti4ol8mNONoPUTZHksI9Re%2B%2B6lvKzy0iAAOw%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=164976114339&portalId=8446071)       ## The Uphill Climb of Community Change (Our Theory of Change) #### Who owns building a better community? Some problems are beyond the reach of government. The range of community challenges today require that every asset be mobilized, but community-based resources can be unfocused and hard to engage. #### The solution that might suprise you  Strong communities are forged with the co-creative work of entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and the faith sector. Fueling collaborative growth for businesses, social enterprises, nonprofits, and faith communities is what creates healthy places to live and work.  #### Activating the essential players  Creating a bridge between silo'd interests and isolated players starts by becoming re-enchanted with the communities where we live and work. We activate compassion and passion by intentionally listening to the challenges and opportunities, then co-creating the future together.  ## Mission: Change Momentum Co-Creation Labs is the capacity-building arm of Capacity to Serve, a 501c3 Nonprofit that is bridging the gap between catalytic resources and communities. We build the capacity for sustainable high, impact community change. | ### ![Untitled-3 (6) (1)-1](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-3%20(6)%20(1)-1.png?width=517&height=394&name=Untitled-3%20(6)%20(1)-1.png) ### Community Assessments Our Needs Assessments are participation-based, unlike many of the models you'll find. This leads to an engaged and mobilized volunteer base, unique findings based in connection and relationship, and a community whose compassion has been activated by first-hand experience with the issues. [Nonprofit Community Assessments](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/non-profit-community-needs-assessment) | | --- |   | ### ![Untitled-4 (1)-1](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-4%20(1)-1.png?width=517&height=394&name=Untitled-4%20(1)-1.png) ### LIVE! Co-Creation Labs For communities ready to collaborate and solve big problems together, we bring LIVE sessions to your local region. Our labs will help you discover hidden assets, unlock important relationships, and catalyze new solutions. [Labs for Churches](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/live-labs-churches) [Labs for Communities](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/#calendar) | | --- |   #### EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR *THE RIGHT KIND* OF COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT  A CRITICAL PART YOUR NONPROFIT GROWTH STRATEGY ##### STRATEGY Add a participation-based community needs assessment to your annual strategy to increase both impact and support.   ##### FULLY TURN-KEY All the tools you need to run an effective participation-based community needs assessment. ##### AUTHORITY Become the go-to authority for your cause because you own the insights that guide community investments and support ##### COACHING SUPPORT Get the insight from experienced NPO leaders about how to tailor participation-based needs assessment for your community or cause. ##### ACTIVATION Activate volunteers and donors by engaging them with a more personal connection to the cause. ##### PRACTICAL TOOLS Learn to take the insights you glean and promote your cause in a brand new way. ![Untitled-3 (7)-1-1-1](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/Untitled-3%20(7)-1-1-1.png) > #### "Foundational for all our work..." > > The needs assessment process provided by Dave and his team established the foundation for all of our work with volunteers, community leaders, children and families in Cleveland. The relationships and trust that resulted have made it possible for Velocity Church/Love Cleveland to deliver consistent impact and leadership in our community. > > ![Scott_pp](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/Scott_pp.jpg) Scott Pugh > Love Cleveland ![Untitled-3 (7)-1-1-1](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/Untitled-3%20(7)-1-1-1.png) > #### "Build and form lasting relationships..." > > It was absolutely foundational...getting to know our community and becoming a part of our community. \[This needs assessment\] will help you meet the community in a way that will build and form lasting relationships and allow you to really serve in meaningful ways in your city. > > ![Screen Shot 2024-02-29 at 3-38-53 PM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%203-38-53%20PM.png) Josh Burnett > Annapolis, MD #### YOUR STEPS TO LAUNCH YOUR ASSESSMENT | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### 1. GET THE KIT - **Get the turn-key kit.** - View the slides and step-by-step videos - Identify the participant groups and potential volunteers | | --- | --- |   | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### 2. STRATEGY COACHING - **Get expert insights and talk over your strategy.** - Get questions answered and avoid potholes. - Hear how you can **make the most** of the process to build momentum. | | --- | --- |   | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### 3. BUILD MOMENTUM - **Launch your assessment.** - You need social capital to keep growth in motion.  - Our process creates new buy-in and **earns access to new levels of influence**. | | --- | --- |   ##### CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS Convert corporate volunteers to long-term donors and champions. --- ## OUR HUMAN-TO-HUMAN APPROACH Our approach to nonprofit growth is centered around one truth: relationships are the currency of movement. You'll walk away with clarity, credibility, and publishable community insights. But even better, you'll have new momentum as your volunteers create meaningful connections with decision makers and under-resourced individuals across your region.   ![Untitled-3 (6) (1)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-3%20(6)%20(1).png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled-3%20(6)%20(1).png "Untitled-3 (6) (1)") #### Mobilize Volunteers At its core, a community needs assessment is more than gathering facts and reporting numbers, it's about creating relationships and engaging volunteers as they lead by listening.  ![Untitled-4 (1)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-4%20(1).png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled-4%20(1).png "Untitled-4 (1)") #### Become the Leader After becoming the leader on listening to the community, organizations and authorities from every corner of your region will line up for a copy of your findings. ![Untitled-5 (1)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Untitled-5%20(1).png?width=200&height=200&name=Untitled-5%20(1).png "Untitled-5 (1)") #### Find a Growth Path Gain a clear view of your community's needs along with the momentum to gather funders and volunteers around your credible solutions. For over two decades, David Mills has been authoring books and leading teams to engage their communities in a new way. ![Screen Shot 2024-02-29 at 11.52.08 AM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%2011.52.08%20AM.png?width=123&height=150&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%2011.52.08%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2024-02-29 at 11.52.08 AM") ![Screen Shot 2024-03-14 at 8.10.10 AM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-14%20at%208.10.10%20AM.png?width=98&height=150&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-03-14%20at%208.10.10%20AM.png "Screen Shot 2024-03-14 at 8.10.10 AM") ![Screen Shot 2024-02-29 at 3.18.20 PM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%203.18.20%20PM.png?width=100&height=150&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%203.18.20%20PM.png "Screen Shot 2024-02-29 at 3.18.20 PM") #### The Co-Creation Approach ### Learn how our process can address stubborn community challenges. On Our Call: - You’ll share about the challenges for which you want to mobilize new community energy. - We’ll ask about what you’ve already done to address these challenges - We’ll share about what our process would look like in your community.   17% The average church member lost 37% of their **network of relationships** during COVID and only replaced **17%**. 75% **75%** of those surveyed said they thought religion **was losing its influence** on American life. ## REF:  #### [https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/church-statistics](https://donorbox.org/nonprofit-blog/church-statistics) https://www.barna.com/research/current-perceptions/   #### Volunteering continues to drop, with 40% of church membership volunteering in early 2020 and only 20% volunteering by March 2022. This rate is expected to decrease in 2023. 77% When polling non-churchgoing Gen Z, **77%** are interested in **churches that help the poor**. # A clear and bold heading A more subdued subheading Features + Collaborations: ![download](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/download.png?width=150&height=150&name=download.png) ![Screen Shot 2024-03-01 at 11.16.39 AM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-01%20at%2011.16.39%20AM.png?width=120&height=162&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-03-01%20at%2011.16.39%20AM.png) ![BD-Primary-Light_01](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BD-Primary-Light_01.webp?width=190&height=65&name=BD-Primary-Light_01.webp) ![Screen Shot 2024-03-01 at 11.20.06 AM](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-03-01%20at%2011.20.06%20AM.png?width=105&height=157&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-03-01%20at%2011.20.06%20AM.png) ![co-creation labs-cream](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/co-creation%20labs-cream.png?width=70&name=co-creation%20labs-cream.png "co-creation labs-cream") [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidwmills/) - [Community Assessments For Nonprofits](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/non-profit-community-needs-assessment) - [Community Assessment Kit](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/community-assessment-kit) - [LIVE! Co-Creation Labs For Churches](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/live-labs-churches) - [Accelerator](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/accelerator) - [About](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/about) - [Projects](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/current-projects) ## [540-390-7889](tel:540-390-7889) [![https://app.hubspot.com/signup-hubspot/hubspot-for-startups?odysseyEnabled=true&partner-code=W2vcqCH8x3h3HSFS Logo](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/HSFS%20Logo.png?width=142&height=71&name=HSFS%20Logo.png)](https://app.hubspot.com/signup-hubspot/hubspot-for-startups?odysseyEnabled=true&partner-code=W2vcqCH8x3h3) ### Get News and Updates Operated by Capacity to Serve, Inc. a 501c3 Nonprofit EIN: 81-4091072 Programs are offered via scholarships and a sliding scale. Additional financial information is available by [contacting us](mailto:dave@cocreationlabs.org). --- Copyright © 2024, Co-Creation Labs [Privacy Policy](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/privacy)