The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne (CFGFW) is excited to announce the launch of its updated 2024 Community Dashboard.
This online platform provides a comprehensive view of various aspects of community life, including economic development, education, health and wellness, and arts and culture. It features interactive charts, graphs, and maps, allowing users to explore data at different levels of detail.
President and CEO of the Community Foundation, Brad Little, said CFGFW aims to equip local nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and community members with the most current data to make informed decisions and take collective action in driving positive change.
“We believe that providing timely and accurate data can foster collaboration and serve as a vital resource for identifying needs, setting priorities, and evaluating the impact of initiatives. The Community Dashboard allows us to work together effectively and drive fact-based, lasting change in our community,” he said.
The Community Dashboard aligns with the Let’s Rise! Vision Plan, focusing on five community pillars: Connected Community, Inspiring Places, Everyone’s Economy, Lifelong Learning, and Healthy Mind and Body.
The latest survey data reveals mixed outcomes for Allen County, with notable improvements in education and health, but challenges in safety perceptions and economic stability, while access to green spaces shows a divide between rural and urban residents.
Key statistics include:
● Connected Community: The latest survey reveals that only 21% of Allen County residents always feel safe in their neighborhood, down from 24% in 2022. This decline is more pronounced among residents of two or more races and those of a single race other than White or Black.
● Inspiring Places: A significant majority (87%) of residents can easily access green spaces near their homes. While this increased for rural residents, it slightly decreased for those in urban and suburban areas.
● Everyone’s Economy: As of 2021, 25% of Allen County households are classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), up from 22% in 2018. However, this is still below the state average of 27%.
● Lifelong Learning: Educational attainment has improved, with 31% of adult residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, up from 27.5% in 2013-2017, surpassing the state average of 28%.
● Healthy Mind and Body: The infant mortality rate in Allen County has significantly improved, dropping from 8.3 per 1,000 in 2021 to 6.8 in 2022, below the state average of 7.2.
By offering data on these key indicators, the Dashboard aims to foster a sense of belonging, engage residents and visitors, promote economic mobility, strengthen the workforce, and support mental and physical health.
The Dashboard was developed with help from local government, nonprofits, and community members. Their input and expertise helped choose key metrics that reflect the region’s progress. Continued community feedback will keep the Dashboard relevant and effective.
The 2024 Community Dashboard is now live and accessible to the public on the Community Foundation’s website. Users can explore the platform, access the latest data, and interact with its various tools and features. To learn more about the Dashboard or the Let’s Rise! Vision Plan, visit the website.
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About the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne The Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne does three things: help people make their charitable giving more impactful, connect funding to nonprofits through effective grantmaking, and provide leadership to address community needs to improve quality of life. The organization connects people and resources daily to build a more vibrant community. As of December 31, 2023, the Community Foundation held charitable assets of approximately $221 Million and awarded more than $10.6 million in charitable grants and scholarships throughout the same year. Since its formation in 1922, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $194 million in charitable grants.