About Community Facts

Since Community Facts was originally launched on The Piton Foundation's website in 2004, individuals and organizations have been accessing free, neighborhood-level data about the health and well-being of Denver-area families and communities. In response to changing demographics and economic conditions in metro Denver, Shift Research Lab expanded its focus from a historically Denver-centric one to a seven-county, regional view. This updated version of Community Facts is the first web-based application that was created with Shift Research Lab's expanded geographic reach. By offering free, neighborhood-level data for the Denver metro's seven counties, Community Facts is now able to provide data and analysis to support community change initiatives across the region. 

Powered by the Colorado Data Engine, Community Facts features contemporary technology and serves as a leading example for community information platforms. Created by Open Media Foundation, the tool's development was driven by a group of community stakeholders that was actively engaged in the discovery, design and user-testing phases, helping to ensure that this version of Community Facts includes the information and functionality that's most desired by its users. A list of stakeholders who participated in Community Fact's development can be found here.

Community Facts can be used by a variety of individuals and organizations in the following ways: 

• Nonprofits, government agencies and community organizations can gather data to help strengthen grant applications and make them more impactful. 
• Researchers can access clean, synthesized, neighborhood-level information in one location, allowing for further analysis.
• Direct service providers can conduct comparative assessments of community needs based on resident demographics and neighborhood conditions, then expand or shift delivery strategies accordingly.

Shift Research Lab will continue engaging with the community to help Community Facts evolve to meet the needs of the organizations utilizing it. If you would like to provide feedback on the tool, please visit our Feedback page.

About Shift Research Lab

The Piton Foundation's Shift Research Lab, formerly known as the Data Initiative, transforms neighborhood-level data into actionable information that improves the social sector's ability to serve Colorado's low-income communities. Through our products and services, we offer data and analysis via digital data tools, perform objective research to support community change initiatives, and provide technical assistance to help organization's build their capacity to use data. Learn more.

About The Piton Foundation

The Piton Foundation, which is part of Gary Community Investments, is a private, operating foundation established in 1976 by Denver oilman Sam Gary. We are committed to improving the lives of Colorado's low-income children and their families by increasing access to quality early childhood and youth development opportunities and fostering healthy family and community environments. Learn more.