RESEARCH & DATA
Driving Community-Led Change Through Insight
At Impact 907, we believe that meaningful, community-led initiatives are grounded in robust research and data. Our commitment to community-led projects and initiatives is supported by our dedication to collecting, analyzing, and sharing data that reflects the lived experiences and needs of the communities we serve across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
We collect research and data to inform action, gather accurate information, and drive equity. Data is more than numbers - it’s a reflection of community realities, strengths, and needs. By gathering high-quality, community-informed data we can identify where systems are failing, where resources are lacking, and where solutions are already taking root; creating deeper connections for access and support.​​
We use research and data to:
-
Support Community-Led Decision Making: We collaborate with individuals, families, and grassroots organizations to gather the information they need, allowing for effective advocacy and lasting local impact.
-
Improve Programs and Services: Our data helps nonprofits, tribal entities, and government partners evaluate their impact, identify service gaps, and make better-informed decisions.
-
Influence Policy and Systems: We translate our findings into actionable recommendations that support policy shifts and systemic reform in areas such as education, crime reduction, health care, housing, employment, and youth development.
-
Promote Rare and Rural Data: By disaggregating data and highlighting disparities - including for rural, Indigenous, disabled, and other struggling communities – we identify service gaps that need urgent attention and require resource access.
-
Secure Resources: Our research is used to support grant writing, funding proposals, and strategic planning for community partners and stakeholders working toward shared goals.
Impact 907 is committed to seeing our communities thrive. We collect research and data not just to study problems but to spark solutions, engage communities, and build a stronger and responsive Northwest.
WE OFFER
Do you have an existing program that needs data collection and navigation? Are you working on a research project that needs culturally responsive analysis and strategy support? We are here to help!
Whether you are launching a new project or require additional support for an existing initiative, Impact 907 is there to partner with you to ensure your goals and deliverables are met. We offer administration and logistical support, community engagement, strategic design, and functional navigation for research and data projects that are community-based and align with Impact 907's areas of focus.
Our team is experienced in data navigation on federal, state, and local initiatives and will bring executive levels of research design experience to your projects. We are adept at navigating the technical demands of intricate and multi-level projects, such as data protection and security, data depersonalization, technology platforms, comprehensive reporting structures, and other key features. We are committed to full collaboration and support for your team, ensuring that the community's autonomy and your key project mission remains central to the work. Our goal is to uphold existing community initiatives while providing the network connections, logistical support, and design strategies to ensure your project is successful, impactful, and community driven. ​
OUR PROCESS
Community Alignment
Mixed Methods and Multidimensional Analysis: Our research blends both quantitative (e.g., statistical trends, GIS mapping, demographic analysis) and qualitative (e.g., lived experiences, community narratives, case studies) methodologies to produce nuanced, context-rich insights. We believe that numbers alone don’t tell the whole story, we know that people are integral to understanding community data.
Action-Oriented Research: We prioritize research that leads to action. Every dataset we gather, every trend we analyze, and every recommendation we make is aimed at improving real conditions in the communities we serve. Whether it’s helping rural communities secure mental health resources, advising city leaders on childcare access, or supporting local nonprofits in grant development, our work always aims toward meaningful change.
Regional Relevance with Local Depth: Because we serve a wide geographic area - Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho - we tailor our research to reflect local conditions while identifying broader regional trends. From rural bush communities in Alaska to urban neighborhoods in Tacoma, we ensure that our work uplifts both the hyperlocal and larger systems.
​
Sharing Our Findings: At Impact 907, transparency, accessibility, and community engagement are at the core of our research philosophy. We believe data is not just for policymakers or academics - it is a tool for everyday people, organizations, and leaders to understand challenges and co-create solutions. Our approach to sharing research is rooted in curiosity and a deep respect for the communities represented in our findings.
Community Ownership of Data: We recognize that many communities - especially tribal, rural, and underserved parts of our community - have historically been researched "on" rather than "with." That’s why we prioritize community ownership of data, ensuring that those who contribute to our research also benefit from its outcomes. We build in mechanisms for feedback, context interpretation, and shared authorship wherever possible.
Open Access and Collaboration: We welcome collaboration with educators, nonprofits, health providers, and policy leaders who wish to use or adapt our findings for deeper impact. When appropriate, we also contribute to shared data repositories and academic partnerships that expand access to region-specific insights. By intentionally bridging research and real-world action, we aim to ensure that every dataset and study we produce becomes a meaningful part of the movement toward equity, wellness, and justice in Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and beyond.
Culturally Responsive Methods: We design our data collection tools and research instruments with cultural relevance and accessibility in mind. Every community has a unique culture that influences patterns, resources, and connections. Our research includes conducting interviews, focus groups, and surveys in collaboration with local leaders and cultural liaisons; providing translated and plain-language materials; integrating oral histories and storytelling as valid forms of data; and ensuring ethical practices for consent, confidentiality, and data sovereignty - especially in partnership with Alaska Native and Tribal communities throughout the Northwest region.
Collaborative Partnerships
Our research efforts are strengthened through partnerships with:
Local and State Governments: Collaborating on policy development and program implementation.
Nonprofit and Social Service Organizations: Sharing data to enhance service delivery and impact.
Business Community and Policy Experts: Engaging stakeholders in data-driven decision-making.
Families and Community Members: Ensuring that research reflects the voices and experiences of those directly affected.
Areas of Focus
Our research and data initiatives encompass a wide range of community needs, including:
Employment Opportunities: Analyzing barriers to employment and identifying pathways to sustainable careers.
Education & Childcare: Assessing access to quality early learning and childcare services.
Mental Health Access: Evaluating the availability and effectiveness of mental health resources.
Housing Creation & Access: Studying housing needs and developing strategies for affordable housing solutions.
Elderly & Disabled Supports: Researching services that support aging and disabled populations.
Crime Reduction: Investigating community-based approaches to reducing crime and enhancing safety.
Youth Development & Mentorship: Exploring programs that foster youth engagement and leadership.
RESEARCH DISSEMINATION
- SHARING METHODS
​​
-
Community Reports: We publish comprehensive and visually accessible reports that highlight key trends, challenges, and opportunities within the regions we serve. These reports often include recommendations informed by both quantitative data and community voices.
-
Data Snapshots & Infographics: For quick access and easier distribution, we create visual summaries that condense complex information into clear, actionable insights. These are particularly useful for partner organizations, grant writers, and public communications.
-
Workshops and Public Forums: We host both virtual and in-person gatherings where community members, policymakers, and practitioners can engage directly with the data, ask questions, and contribute their perspectives.
-
Policy Briefs and Advocacy Tools: We turn research into advocacy-ready resources for community advocates, public officials, and coalition partners to use in driving systems change.
-
Customized Presentations and Technical Assistance: We offer tailored presentations for partners and stakeholders to help them interpret data relevant to their mission areas, plan future initiatives, and evaluate impact.
TRUST & RELATIONSHIP
We are intentional about not data-mining the community or treating our partners in ways that pressure information gathering. As a By-and-For organization, we understand what it is like to give your information and experiences to larger or more powerful entities and see no personal benefit. Impact 907 ensures a collaborative process based on story-telling, relational connections, and cultural sensitivity - uniting networks of support.
