--- title: Nonprofit Community Needs Assessment | Co-Creation Labs description: Learn how to position your nonprofit as a leader in your community, while building relationships, volunteers, and meeting needs. --- [![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 ## A community listener becomes a communiy influencer. #### BECOME THE GO-TO AUTHORITY IN YOUR COMMUNITY CO-CREATION LABS WILL HELP YOU: ##### LEAD BY LISTENING Organizations that lead communities to change establish their role with intentional listening.   ##### ACTIVATE VOLUNTEERS  Win volunteers by activating their compassion as they participate in needs assessments. ##### GAIN SOCIAL CAPITAL The real coinage in communities is not data, it is relationships. Build trust while gathering insights you need. ##### BUILD DONOR TRUST Give institutional and individual donors confidence that they are investing in the right things. ##### A CREDIBLE STRATEGY Build strategy and development on the right foundation. ##### POSITION FOR GROWTH Build momentum as you are viewed as a local authority. #### SIGNS THAT YOUR NONPROFIT COULD BENEFIT ###### **It’s hard to get one-time event participants or volunteers to take the next step.** --- ###### **You're serving a desperate need in your community but aren't the go-to resource.** --- ###### Your strategic planning process isn’t building momentum for growth. --- ###### **You aren't yet viewed as one of the top community voices and need to build greater influence.** #### THE TACTICS EVERYONE ELSE IS USING WON'T LIFT YOU OUT OF GRASSROOTS MODE.   [![How to Start Your Assessment](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8446071/b1d8722c-e32e-4ac9-ab83-7f8df6be16a2.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/8446071/b1d8722c-e32e-4ac9-ab83-7f8df6be16a2) #### WE HELP NONPROFITS FIND THEIR VOICE AND BUILD THEIR INFLUENCE | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### SOLVE FOR VOLUNTEERS - **Volunteers are hard to mobilize.** - You need a solution that doesn't rely upon serial events.  - Our process **activates volunteers** with first-hand knowledge without excessive commitments. | | --- | --- |   | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### SOLVE FOR DONORS - **It's hard to get donor attention.** - You need a way to change the conversation toward your cause. - Our process **brings donors to your door** as you become the source of truth for community needs. | | --- | --- |   | ![red line](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/red%20line.png?width=10&height=100&name=red%20line.png)   | ##### SOLVE FOR GROWTH - **Momentum requires too many things to go right.** - You need greater social capital and the right strategy to fuel growth.  - Our process creates new buy-in and **opens access to new levels of leadership**. | | --- | --- |   ##### 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 by listening to your community, you'll earn greater trust among donors, stronger commitments by volunteers, and greater influence for your cause. ![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. ![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 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**. ## Something Powerful ### Tell The Reader More The headline and subheader tells us what you're offering, and the form header closes the deal. Over here you can explain why your offer is so great it's worth filling out a form for. Remember: - Bullets are great - For spelling out benefits and - Turning visitors into leads. ![Needs Assessments Landing Pages-11 (1)](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hubfs/Needs%20Assessments%20Landing%20Pages-11%20(1).png "Needs Assessments Landing Pages-11 (1)") ## Our Community Assessment Package Get coaching, materials, and a playbook to find your voice and build influence. --- - Get the turn-key kit - Get questions answered - Avoid pitfalls with expert insights - Get your materials shipped to your door --- [Learn How to Get Started](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/community-assessment-kit) Find us: ![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) For over two decades, David Mills has been authoring books and leading teams to engage their communities in a new way. ![Refocus: Aligning ministry and service with critical community needs](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) ![Rapid community assessment](https://www.cocreationlabs.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%203.19.06%20PM.png?width=96&height=150&name=Screen%20Shot%202024-02-29%20at%203.19.06%20PM.png) ![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) ![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. 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