Harnessing the Power of Geography in Analyzing Survey Data from the Charity Insights Canada Project (CICP)
As we set out on the crucial task of surveying Canadian charities, it is vital that we recognize the pivotal role geography plays in shaping the charitable sector landscape. The diverse needs of both charitable organizations and communities are influenced by their geographic contexts. Location affects the operation and social service delivery of charities, including the recruitment and management of staff and volunteers, fundraising capabilities, collaborative opportunities with other organizations, and the ability to provide social services to diverse social groups. However, there is a notable gap in research focusing on how location specifically shapes the activities of Canadian charitable organizations. So, what insights can we glean from analyzing our survey data through a geographical lens?
Identify Local Experiences and Disparities: Canada’s vastness and diversity mean that each region faces its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. By analyzing survey data based on geography, we can pinpoint location-specific experiences and disparities in charitable activities and resource allocation. Moreover, delving into data through a geographical lens allows us to better understand the complex interplay of social, political, economic, demographic, and colonial factors that shape the charitable landscape across different parts of the country.
Guide Policy Advocacy and Decision-Making: The geographical distribution of survey participants holds important implications for policy advocacy and decision-making processes. Examining survey data through a geographic perspective enables us to discern location-based trends, disparities, and priorities. This information can then be leveraged to advocate for policies and interventions that effectively address the diverse needs of charities and the communities they serve at the local, regional, and national levels. By advocating for evidence-based policies informed by geographical insights, we can drive meaningful change and maximize social impact.
Putting our survey participants on the map: We have taken the initiative to map each participating charity from our 2023 survey using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. This enables us to visualize where charities are located and categorize them based on their operational settings. Using Statistics Canada’s boundary files, we have classified these locations into large urban areas, small and medium population areas, and rural areas (See Map Below), allowing for a nuanced understanding of the diverse contexts in which charities operate. Additionally, having precise location data for each charity empowers us to conduct granular analyses at both the provincial/territorial and regional levels, thereby uncovering valuable insights into localized trends and variations.
Analyzing the CICP survey data through a geographical lens transcends mere technicality; it holds the key to unlocking valuable insights and maximizing the impact of our initiatives. By harnessing the power of geography, we can conduct more robust analysis of survey responses and advocate for evidence-based policies that address the diverse needs of Canadian charities and the communities they serve. Keep an eye out for future blogs that present insights into the geographical distribution of charities as we delve into our analysis of location-specific data from the CICP survey!
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