Funders like to see that you understand the needs of your beneficiaries and local community and data can be a useful tool to communicate this. Funders will often prioritise work that takes place in disadvantaged areas, so it is important that you understand the needs of your work area and beneficiaries. 

Your ‘Case for Support’ will be strengthened if you can use data and statistics to demonstrate that there is a clear need for your service or project. Research should be undertaken on the data available through statutory organisations (eg National Government, Local Authorities, NHS, Police etc), other charities, campaign groups, research organisations etc.   

We would recommend building an ‘Evidence Base’ to support your work, which can be a simple summary document which pulls together key data and statistics which demonstrate why your work is needed. This document and data can be used as a strong foundation for your fundraising, from appeals and securing individual donors through to crowdfunding and grant applications.

 

Indices of Multiple Deprivation

Information can be found on the statistical needs of your local area and community you work in, by searching the postcode on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation. This data is compiled by the Government and gives statistics for areas including population, income; employment; education, skills and training; health and disability; crime; barriers to housing and services; living environment; income deprivation affecting children and older people. Areas are ranked according to their needs in comparison with other communities across England.

 

Statistics and Area Profiles for Dorset and BCP Areas

Statistical data is reviewed and analysed by local Councils and additional reports and summaries are produced, which highlight the key information and local needs for the area, including: population, health, children and young people, deprivation and poverty, diversity and the local economy. This data is often broken down into local neighbourhood or ward areas and is used to inform local strategies and service planning. Information for the Dorset Council area can be found here and BCP Council here     

These can be a useful source of information to help your organisation present its case for support, by communicating what local needs are and if your organisation is working to support these or particular beneficiaries as a result.

 

Other Useful Data

Other statutory organisations also publish data for Dorset and nationally, which can be used to support your case for funding. For example, data can be found on levels of homelessness and related health issues, such as mental health.  

Other charitable organisations and campaign groups often produce reports on issues affecting communities, which can contain useful data and insights to support your work. For example, Crisis and Shelter publish data and reports on homelessness, and medical charities often publish information with health data. Published reports from Universities and other research organisations can also be a helpful sources of information on current trends and issues.

 

Helpful links

Dorset Police publish information on crime statistics, local priorities, which can be searched by postcode and found here 

NHS publish a wealth of data on health conditions, national priorities and local needs, which can be found here and information for NHS Statistical Work Areas is here

Office for Health Inequalities and Disparities (information formerly held by Public Health England) produces datasets which can be searched by postcode and found here

Indices of Deprivation 2015 and 2019

Dorset Council Data

BCP Council Data