Community needs assessments are a core tool for many nonprofit and health and human service programs and initiatives. A community needs assessment helps to identify unmet and undermet needs of a specific target population or geographic area, determine community assets and pinpoint service gaps. But how should you begin? How can you gather and analyze accurate, timely qualitative and quantitative data from stakeholders, including the public? And how can you use the data collected to develop an action plan? This workshop will introduce you to how to conduct a community needs assessment, including vital insights into concepts, research tips, techniques, tools and available resources. NIU’s Center for Governmental Studies undertakes about 50 research projects, including approximately 5-6 community needs assessments, a year for clients. Our team of experts will explore this important tool with you and shed light on the beginning steps, the process and the end results.