Adding Data Into Your Grant Application Narrative: 3 New Types of Data You've Probably Never Considered

Elsewhere, I've talked about the importance of data in your funding application. Every funder wants to know standard demographic data like age and race, but how can we tell even more compelling stories about the populations you serve? Let's explore some new sources.

1. Equity Atlas

In recent years, the concept of an "Equity Atlas" has gained traction in various sectors, from urban planning to investment strategies. But what exactly is an Equity Atlas, and why should you care? At its core, an Equity Atlas is a collection of data and maps that highlight disparities and opportunities across different regions or communities. It serves as a visual tool that helps stakeholders understand where inequities exist and what factors contribute to them. By displaying data in a geographical context, it makes complex information accessible and actionable for policymakers, community leaders, and citizens. The Bay Area Equity Atlas, for example, is a comprehensive data tool that provides insights into the state of equity in the San Francisco Bay Area, in California. It examines various indicators such as income, education, employment, housing, and health across different racial and ethnic groups. The goal is to inform policies and initiatives aimed at closing the equity gap in this diverse and dynamic region. Similarly, the National Equity Atlas offers a broad overview of equity metrics across the United States. It provides data on demographics, economic opportunities, and social disparities, empowering decision-makers to craft policies that promote inclusivity and fairness. This tool is particularly useful for federal and state governments, as well as non-profit organizations working towards social justice. See if there's an Equity Atlas in your region.

2. Food Deserts

Understanding the concept of food deserts is crucial for addressing food insecurity in urban and rural areas. These areas often lack access to affordable and nutritious food, impacting the health and well-being of their residents. Let's delve into what food deserts are and how they are tracked.

Food deserts are regions where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables. These areas are often characterized by a lack of supermarkets or grocery stores within a convenient traveling distance. Instead, residents may rely on convenience stores or fast-food outlets, which typically offer less healthy options.

Food deserts are prevalent in both urban and rural settings. In urban areas, they may be found in low-income neighborhoods where transportation options are limited. In rural areas, the scarcity of stores can mean long travel distances for residents seeking healthy food options.

Limited access to fresh produce and other healthy foods contributes to higher rates of diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, in these communities. If the population you serve is within a food desert, they may be at higher risk for additional disparities. You may want to tell your funder about this.

Tracking food deserts involves analyzing geographic and socio-economic data to identify areas where residents lack access to healthy food. Key factors include:

• Distance to Nearest Grocery Store: Typically, a food desert is defined by a significant distance to the nearest supermarket, often more than one mile in urban areas and ten miles in rural areas.

• Income Levels: Low-income neighborhoods are more likely to be food deserts due to economic barriers.

• Transportation Access: Limited public transportation options can exacerbate the problem by making it difficult for residents to travel to stores.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a Food Access Research Atlas, which maps food access indicators for low-income and other census tracts across the country. This tool is instrumental in identifying food deserts and guiding policy decisions. Addressing food deserts requires a multi-faceted approach, combining policy initiatives, community involvement, and support for innovative solutions. By understanding and tracking food deserts, stakeholders can work toward ensuring that all residents have access to the nutritious food they need for a healthy life.

3. Tree Equity Score, or "Shade Score."

Understanding the environment we live in is crucial for assessing various factors that affect our lives. One such factor, often overlooked, is a region's shade score. But what exactly is a shade score, and why is it significant for the health and well-being of a population? A shade score is a measure used to evaluate the amount of tree canopy cover or shade in a specific area. It reflects the proportion of land covered by trees and vegetation, providing relief from direct sunlight. This measurement is crucial because shade plays a significant role in influencing microclimates, reducing heat, and promoting healthier environments.

The shade score is typically calculated using satellite imagery and geographic information systems (GIS) technology. By analyzing these images, experts can determine the density of tree cover in a region. The score is often expressed as a percentage, indicating the extent of canopy coverage over a particular area.

A high shade score can have numerous positive effects on health outcomes for a population. Here, we delve into some of these benefits. One of the primary advantages of a high shade score is its ability to mitigate heat-related illnesses. During hot weather, areas with extensive tree coverage remain cooler, reducing the risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The shade provided by trees helps lower ambient temperatures, offering a respite from the heat.

Trees play a vital role in enhancing air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. In regions with a high shade score, the presence of trees can significantly reduce the concentration of harmful airborne particles. Improved air quality leads to better respiratory health and lowers the incidence of conditions such as asthma and other respiratory disorders.

Areas rich in shade are more inviting for outdoor activities. When people have access to shaded parks and walking paths, they are more likely to engage in physical activities like walking, jogging, or cycling. This, in turn, promotes physical fitness and contributes to overall well-being.

The distribution of shade within a region can also highlight issues of equity. Some communities may have limited access to shaded areas, leading to disparities in health outcomes. Understanding these inequities can guide efforts to create more balanced environments.

Low-income and marginalized communities often have lower shade scores compared to more affluent areas. This lack of tree coverage can contribute to a phenomenon known as the "urban heat island effect," where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings. Residents in these areas are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of heat, exacerbating health inequities.

By recognizing the importance of shade scores, policymakers and urban planners can take steps to promote environmental justice. Planting trees in underserved neighborhoods not only improves shade scores but also fosters healthier communities. Equitable distribution of green spaces ensures that all residents, regardless of socio-economic status, can enjoy the benefits of a healthier environment.

Now what?

These are just three of dozens of new data you can add to your funding proposals to make them more interesting, compelling, and, ultimately, likely to be funded. If you're interested in easy ways to find more data and integrate into your proposals and applications, consider a program like PureGrant, which has an integrated AI research feature that lets you search for external data. PureGrant also allows you to store unlimited content in your Content Library, which informs future applications it generates. The stories you can tell are endless, so happy researching!

Sheena Link is the COO of PureGrant, an AI grantwriting software program.