How often have you heard term place-based social impact and wondered what on earth it actually means or where you’d even begin? The truth is, that it is simpler than it sounds. It means thinking about the needs of a place and designing projects, funds or initiatives that respond to those needs.

The good news is that there is an established approach to completing a place or local needs analysis. Every credible method follows the same logic: start with local strategy, paint a picture with socio-economic data, research what is already happening in the community, and use the findings to identify relevant social-value themes and outcomes.

It takes time, curiosity and the humility to let evidence, not assumption, set your direction.