Insight Region^®

The Center for Community Research at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

Launched in 2020, Insight Region^® is a research center at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia that analyzes local trends, convenes civic leaders, and promotes civic and social action. It is a growing hub for reliable, well-researched, and actionable data and analyses on issues critical to Northern Virginia. Its work is focused within the Community Foundation’s four strategic priorities:

promoting social and economic mobility,
opportunities for all,
supporting inclusive systems of economic growth, and
strengthening community resilience.

Through our research activities, we can be careful stewards of community resources by informing charitable giving and inspiring civic and social action by making data and reports available to the community. Our research is informed by, and conduct research in collaboration with, our community partners. Our work is also informed by a panel of expert advisors and the Community Leadership Committee of our Board of Directors.

Insight Region^® produces research reports and briefs on issues relevant to the region. For example, in 2023, Insight Region^® produced four reports: two reports continued our focus on the state of mental health in our region^1,2 one report focused on residents over age 65,³ and one focused on how families in Northern Virginia cope with rising costs.⁴ We also host events to disseminate our findings with the community we serve. In 2024, Insight Region^® presented on the topic of Social Trust at the 7^th Annual Shape of the Region Conference. Our Insight Region^® presentation revealed that social trust in Northern Virginia reached a 5-year low in 2022.

Please explore our products and events linked here. Will be adding content regularly as we build out this community resource.

Research Briefs and Reports

The Community Foundation has produced data-driven reports to better understand the needs of the region. Read our briefs and full reports or executive summaries which highlight our key findings.
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Our News

Read the latest data, research and insights produced by the Community Foundation and our research partners on issues relevant to the region.
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Insight Region^® Events

The Community Foundation will hold events to share the data from many of its brief reports and publications throughout the year. Denise Bellows, Senior Director of Insight Region^®, will join issue area experts in meaningful discussions on the implications of the data within our region and how all sectors of our community can work together on solutions.
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