How to Use Data for Impact: 3 Key Lessons from Community Action Agency Leaders

The Challenge: Too Much Data, Not Enough Time

Every day, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) work to reduce poverty, advocate for funding, and improve lives. But there’s a problem:

• Data is fragmented across multiple resources

  CAAs manage data from multiple programs and agencies, making it hard to get a clear, unified view of community needs.
  
  

• Reporting is time-consuming and often manual

  With limited staff and outdated systems, CAAs spend valuable time compiling reports instead of focusing on service delivery.
  
  

• Insights are difficult to share with funders, policymakers, and the public

  Complex data can be hard to communicate, making it challenging to secure funding and drive policy change.

For organizations like Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP), CommunityTeamwork, and Kent County Community Action, data is essential for securing funding and shaping policies—but before mySidewalk, finding and using reliable data was a major obstacle.

Now, with mySidewalk’s all-in-one data platform, CAAs can easily turn complex data into clear insights that drive action.

A Smarter Way to Use Data for Community Impact

1. Access Data That’s In One Place and Ready to Use

Instead of spending hours pulling Census data, housing reports, and economic statistics, CAAs now have one central hub for data.

• Kent County Community Action built an interactive, public-facing dashboard that local governments and nonprofits can use for planning and funding decisions.
• MASSCAP created custom dashboards for 23 agencies, ensuring even small teams with limited resources can access ready-to-use insights.
• CommunityTeamwork now quickly compiles neighborhood-level Community Needs Assessments, responding to data requests in real time.

2. Share Engaging Visualizations and Insights

Numbers alone don’t drive change—stories do. But translating raw data into compelling, easy-to-understand reports has always been a challenge. With mySidewalk, CAAs can:

• Use interactive maps to highlight disparities in housing, economic well-being, and public health.
• Create data-backed reports for legislators to advocate for anti-poverty funding.
• Embed real-time data links into reports, ensuring grant applications reflect the most current insights.

3. Save Time With Tools That Are Easy to Use

Many CAAs operate with small teams and limited budgets—meaning staff time is one of their most valuable resources.

• Kent County’s dashboard streamlined internal reporting, cutting down time spent compiling funding applications and community updates.
• CommunityTeamwork now builds reports in minutes, freeing up staff to focus on strategy instead of spreadsheets.
• Hospitals and nonprofits use mySidewalk’s real-time data access to support grant writing and decision-making.

The Impact: Faster Insights, Stronger Advocacy, Bigger Change

Since implementing mySidewalk, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) have transformed how they access, share, and act on data:

• Faster Insights – Reports that once took days or weeks to compile can now be created in real time.
• Stronger Advocacy – Data-backed stories help agencies secure funding and influence policy.
• Better Community Planning – Public-facing dashboards provide municipalities and nonprofits with critical insights for decision-making.

Turn Data Into Action for Your Community

If your organization struggles with fragmented data, inefficient reporting, or the challenge of communicating impact, mySidewalk can help.