Research and Evaluation
IFF provides data and analysis to help nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies make better decisions about resource allocation and real estate investment. Many of our reports are available for free download below.
Early Child Care and Education
IFF’s broader research and public policy work grew out of our efforts — more than two decades ago — to understand, invest in, and increase the availability of quality child care options for low-income families. No issue is closer to our hearts or speaks more directly to our mission. Our research can help you understand the landscape for programs serving children from birth to school age. We measure the supply and demand for each program type (e.g., child care, infant and toddler care, Head Start, Early Head Start, and pre-kindergarten), analyze where the highest need for each of these services is, and can work with stakeholders to close the gaps identified.
Schools
At IFF, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to attend a good school near where they live — and, with hard data and a neighborhood focus, we are working to make that happen. Our research focuses on the location, enrollment, and academic performance of all schools — be they public, public charter, or private — and pinpoints the geographic areas where new quality schools, more resources, and public policy changes will have the most impact. Foundations, school districts, and charter school authorizers have used our research to support data-driven education reform strategies, including in Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C.
Nonprofit Sector
IFF conducts independent research for and about the nonprofit sector, helping foundations, government agencies, and nonprofits themselves make better decisions about programs and services, resources, and public policy. Research projects include: needs assessments by service and geography; assessment of organizational capacity for existing or new services; analysis of population and economic trends; data to support strategic planning; and mapping and analysis of program data.
To learn more about IFF’s policy and research services, email or call us at 866 629 0060.
Our Studies
Filter
A Seat at the Table: Ensuring Equitable Access to Early Childhood Education in Milwaukee
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2020
A Seat at the Table: Ensuring Equitable Access to Early Childhood Education in Milwaukee culminates IFF’s needs assessment findings and aims to inform strategic investments to create equitable access to high-quality, affordable ECE services throughout the city. This interactive report highlights recommendations to strengthen the system for all Milwaukee children, as well as specific strategies to promote equitable ECE access at the community-level.
Raising Quality, Promoting Equity: An Analysis of Location, Performance, and Challenges Facing Tulsa Public Schools
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2019
Raising Quality, Promoting Equity: An Analysis of Location, Performance, and Challenges Facing Tulsa Public Schools is a needs assessment for K-12 public education in the Tulsa metro area. The primary objective of the needs assessment is analyzing students’ access to high-performing schools in their neighborhoods. More specifically, the assessment seeks to equip local school leaders, public officials, philanthropy, and other community stakeholders with the information and analysis tools needed to make data-informed decisions around school improvement. While the needs assessment focuses primarily on school quality, it also aims to provide important insights around neighborhood characteristics that are known to influence school quality and educational outcomes. The target geography for the needs assessment includes the physical boundaries of the 15 largest school districts in the Tulsa metro area. The assessment primarily focuses on the traditional public and public charter schools located within this geographic footprint, although some context is provided on the region’s nonpublic schools and virtual charter school students. The needs assessment uses the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s 2017-18 School Report Card to identify high-performing schools as well as further contextualize other aspects of school quality.
Raising Quality, Promoting Equity: An Analysis of Location, Performance, and Challenges Facing Oklahoma City Public Schools
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2019
Raising Quality, Promoting Equity: An Analysis of Location, Performance, and Challenges Facing Oklahoma City Public Schools is a needs assessment for K-12 public education in the Oklahoma City metro area. The primary objective of the needs assessment is analyzing students’ access to high-performing schools in their neighborhoods. More specifically, the assessment seeks to equip local school leaders, public officials, philanthropy, and other community stakeholders with the information and analysis tools needed to make data-informed decisions around school improvement. While the needs assessment focuses primarily on school quality, it also aims to provide important insights around neighborhood characteristics that are known to influence school quality and educational outcomes. The target geography for the needs assessment includes the physical boundaries of the 23 largest school districts in the Oklahoma City metro area. The assessment primarily focuses on the traditional public and public charter schools located within this geographic footprint, although some context is provided on the region’s non-public schools and virtual charter school students. The needs assessment uses the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s School Report Card to identify high-performing schools as well as further contextualize other aspects of school quality.
The First Step to Equity: Building a Better Future Through Early Childhood Education in St. Louis
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2019
The First Step to Equity: Building a Better Future for Early Childhood Education in St. Louis examines access to quality early childhood education programs, identifies gaps in service, and pinpoints other early childhood education infrastructure needs in the St. Louis region. This action-driven report also provides key recommendations on where to start, targeted neighborhood-based strategies, and ideas on how funders can support these efforts.
Expanding Quality: Access to High-Performing Schools in Pulaski County, Arkansas
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2019
IFF was commissioned to conduct a needs assessment for K-12 public education in Pulaski County, Arkansas, with the objective of measuring student accessibility to high-performing public schools in their neighborhood. The study seeks to equip local school leaders, public officials, philanthropy, and other stakeholders to make data-informed decisions at the county level to improve school performance and, subsequently, student outcomes.
Promoting Equity: Access to High-Performing Schools in Northwest Arkansas
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2019
IFF was commissioned to conduct a needs assessment for K-12 public education in Northwest Arkansas with the objective
of measuring student accessibility to high-performing public schools in their neighborhood. The study seeks to equip local school leaders, public officials, philanthropy, and other stakeholders to make data-informed decisions at the county level to improve school performance and, subsequently, student outcomes.
Access and Quality for Illinois Children: Illinois Early Childhood Education Needs Assessment
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2019
This statewide needs assessment examines access to quality early childhood education (ECE) services across the State of Illinois, including both home- and center-based care and preschool programs. The goal of this report is to inform stakeholders of the disparities in access across communities in the hopes of serving the greatest number of children in need of care with the highest quality of care. Stakeholders can use the information presented to create a comprehensive, high-quality, equitable strategy for children throughout Illinois as well as reflect on targeted geographic strategies.
A System for All Children: An Early Childhood Education Needs Assessment in Grand Rapids
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2018
A System for All Children: An Early Childhood Education Needs Assessment in Grand Rapids examines access to quality early childhood education programs in the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stakeholders can use the information presented to create a comprehensive, high-quality, equitable strategy for the community. The report highlights the programs and neighborhoods with the largest gaps of services in order for investments and improvements to reach the greatest number of children. Some significant findings include:
- Only 30% of the need for subsidized and Head Start early childhood education programs is being met in Grand Rapids, putting an undue burden on low-income children and families.
- The city needs about 4,000 additional licensed and registered early childhood education slots – and two-thirds of that need is concentrated in just one-third of the city’s neighborhoods. Five of those seven neighborhoods are those with the highest levels of children in poverty.
- There is a dramatic lack of access to early childhood education slots for infants and toddlers, with just 16 percent of children aged birth to two having access to licensed and registered providers. That number drops to just 8 percent for children aged birth to two in the highest-need neighborhoods.
Rethink, Reset, Rebuild: A Shared Vision of Performing Schools in Quality Buildings for Every Child in Detroit
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2017
Reset, Rethink, Rebuild: A Shared Vision of Performing Schools in Quality Buildings for Every Child in Detroit is a study about neighborhoods, educational opportunity, and the conditions of public school buildings. Through a place-based supply-and-demand needs assessment, the report gauges access to performing schools across Detroit and identifies the neighborhoods in which the K-12 education system fails to reach the greatest numbers of children. To inform comprehensive school improvement and community development, the study also evaluates facilities conditions in and around the highest-need neighborhoods. The report and accompanying online tool lay the groundwork for cross-sector, citywide collaboration to boost access to performing public schools in the Motor City; to strategically allocate resources, including facilities; and to seize opportunities to adaptively reuse the sites of former schools to strengthen neighborhoods.
Raising Quality, Promoting Equity: An Analysis of Location, Performance, and Investment in Illinois Public Schools
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2017
This September 2017 report by IFF maps the substantial need for high-performing public schools across the state and provides essential data on the adequacy and equity of recent funding levels. It also explores the effectiveness of district spending. Combined, the study’s three components recommend a more holistic approach to school improvement by providing state, regional, and local education leaders with an important framework for action: (1) A Needs Assessment that quantifies and prioritizes the need for high-performing schools across the state; (2) An analysis of District Funding that gauges the adequacy and equity of school district funding in the years prior to the adoption of an evidence-based funding formula; and (3) A discussion of Return on Investment (ROI) that measures the effectiveness of school district spending for boosting core performance outcomes.
A Shared Responsibility: Ensuring Quality Education in Every Cleveland Neighborhood
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2015
This study, released in 2015, identifies the 11 zip code areas in Cleveland with the greatest need for high-performing seats. Ultimately, we find that Cleveland needs about 48,000 seats in high-performing schools and over 60 percent of those are concentrated in the 11 high-need areas. Made possible through the support of the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, IFF’s report was commissioned to help inform the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s facilities master plan update.
The System We Need: A Neighborhood Snapshot of Early Education in Detroit
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2015
This report estimates that in 2015 nearly 28,000 of Detroit children needed but did not have access to quality early childhood care. The study compares the number of slots available at licensed and registered facilities with the number of children in need of care, and breaks down the supply-and-demand estimate by individual neighborhoods and program types.
Building a Better System: The Need for Early Childhood Education in Macomb, Oakland, and Out Wayne Counties
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2015
This new study estimates that in 2015 about 41,000 of the Tri-county region’s children needed but did not have access to quality early childhood care. The report compares the number of slots available at licensed and registered facilities with the number of children in need of care, and breaks down the supply-and-demand estimate by community, county, and program type.
The Opportunity Gap – Defined
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2015
Released in 2015, this report identifies the top 11 neighborhoods in Minneapolis with the greatest need for high-performing seats in grades K-12. The report, which evaluates the city’s 99 public district and public charter schools with Multiple Measurement Ratings scores, outlines the need for about 30,000 seats in quality schools. The study was commissioned by Minnesota Comeback, a coalition of education and philanthropic leaders.
The Shared Challenge of Quality Schools: A place-based analysis of school performance in Indianapolis
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2013
Released in 2013, this is a study about neighborhoods, children and access to high performing schools. At its heart lies the question, “What areas in Indianapolis have the greatest need for high-performing seats?” In providing an answer to this question, it aims to unite district, charter, and independent school leaders around the shared goal of providing quality schools for all children.
The data tool has been updated with data from 2016-17.
Quality Schools: Every Child, Every School, Every Neighborhood
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2012
This study, released in 2012, assesses location and performance of charter and traditional public schools in Washington, DC. It is a supply and demand analysis based on current and projected performance data that provides information to guide education reform and to maximize the impact of resource allocations. This study was commissioned by the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education of Washington, DC and funded by the DC Public Education Fund through a generous grant from The Walton Family Foundation.
Early Care and Education: The Top 10 Counties, Municipalities, and Chicago Community Areas in Need of Care
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2011
Modeled on IFF’s 2003 statewide needs assessment for early care and education (ECE), Moving Towards A System, this report finds significant gaps for all types of care and ranks counties, larger municipalities, and Chicago community areas according to their overall need, as well as to their need of specific programs, such as general child care, Head Start and Early Head Start, and PreK.
Here and Now 2: Change We Can Measure
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2010
This report examines citywide and community area changes in the number of performing schools in Chicago’s 77 neighborhood areas between 2004 and 2008. It also documents the contribution of charter and other new schools under Renaissance 2010. Like the 2004 Here and Now study, this study is based on the premise that all Chicago students should have academically performing schools within or near the community area in which they live.
Denver Public Schools: Locating Quality and Access
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2010
This report, produced by IFF and commissioned by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), provides essential new information on the relationship between the location of and enrollment in Denver public schools that meet the 2009 School Performance Framework (SPF) standards. It is designed primarily to identify and highlight those areas with the largest number of school-age children and the fewest seats in schools that meet SPF standards.
Lake County Nonprofit Health and Human Services Study
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 2010
In 2010, The Lake County Community Foundation, in partnership with Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County, the College of Lake County, and the United Way of Lake County, contracted with IFF to research the health and human services provided by nonprofit organizations in Lake County, Illinois. This series of 18 maps presents a visual record of the assets and gaps found. Coupled with demographic and income data, the maps and accompanying presentation show existing resources and where additional services are needed across the county.
Choosing Performance: An Analysis of School Location and Performance in Milwaukee
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2009
This report analyzes the performance, location, and enrollment of Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), charter schools and certain private schools participating in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP) in 2008-2009. The study determines that most children do not attend or live near a school that meets the Wisconsin State Standard.
Missouri Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the 21st Century
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 2008
Conducted in partnership with the Nonprofit Services Center in St. Louis, MO, this survey establishes a baseline of data on the finances and management of small to midsized nonprofits that provide direct services to the Missouri public.
Public School in St. Louis: Place, Performance, and Promise
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2008
This study analyzes the performance, location, and enrollment of both public schools and charter schools in St. Louis in 2007-08. The study – Place, Performance, and Promise – determined that St. Louis students have limited access to a quality school in their neighborhood. The report was produced by the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) and IFF, in conjunction with the St. Louis Mayor’s Office.
2014 Update: Click here to see updated maps of highest-need areas for the 2014-15 school year.
Putting Performance on the Map: Locating Quality Schools in the Kansas City, Missouri School District
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2008
This report identifies the five zip code areas in Kansas City with the greatest need for performing schools as determined by comparing current school enrollment, the school-age population, and school performance across the district. Ultimately, we find that 85 percent of KCMSD students do not attend a school that meets Missouri state standards for academic performance, and that the majority of those student reside in just five KCMSD neighborhood areas.
2014 Update: Click here to see updated maps of highest-need areas for the 2014-15 school year.
Opportunities and Challenges: A Community Perspective on Nonprofit Services for Latinos and Community Need
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 2007
A study by IFF and Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights documents the extent of services and gaps in capacity in the Chicago metropolitan area in order to understand government and philanthropic funding needed for future service enhancement and expansion.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment:
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Woodridge
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Wheeling
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Willowbrook Corner
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: West Chicago
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Round Lake
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: LaSalle County
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Joliet
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Glendale Heights
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Franklin Park and Melrose Park
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
Early Childhood Needs Assessment: Addison
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
The Building Blocks reports were completed by IFF, with support from the Grand Victoria Foundation, to help local Illinois communities establish a strong infrastructure of community providers that deliver and support early education programs and a plan to accommodate future growth.
By Any Measure: A Report to the Community on IFF’s Work in the Field of Nonprofit Child Care in Illinois
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2007
A detailed report of IFF’s leadership role in the area of research, planning, financing, and design of child care facilities.
Getting Ready: Preparing to House Your Pre-Kindergarten Program
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2006
An interactive, online tool to help applicants for ISBE pre-kindergarten grants plan ahead for housing their program. In three steps, the tool will help an organization assess its space needs, evaluate the fit of any facility with its program goals, and identify any renovation or modification needs.
Stepping Out
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 2006
A planning tool for developing community facilities to support the program needs of mixed-income communities. The publication is based on research conducted by the IFF, including field studies at four national community facility models.
The Economic Impact of the Early Care and Education Industry in Illinois
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2005
A study conducted by the National Economic Development and Law Center, and reported by IFF, Action for Children and Chicago Metropolis 2020. This report demonstrates for the first time the direct economic benefits of the early care and education industry as well as its long-term impact on the Illinois economy.
Here and Now: The Need for Performing Schools in Chicago’s Neighborhoods
Research Type: Schools · Published: 2004
A planning tool for government agencies and communities that ranks Chicago’s 77 community areas in terms of the need for performing public elementary and high schools, based on academic performance, space utilization, and demographics.
The Building Blocks of Design: A Handbook for Early Childhood Development Facilities
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2004
A guide and reference tool for early childhood development providers who want to improve or expand their centers. The handbook covers everything from choosing a paint color for a simple cosmetic enhancement to planning a major construction project.
Moving Towards A System: The Community Profiles Fact Book
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2003
A collection of profiles that summarize the demographic, supply, and demand data for each of the 168 communities assessed.
Getting It Right: How Illinois Nonprofits Manage for Success
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 2003
A survey co-sponsored by IFF and the Donors Forum of Chicago on the financial health of nonprofits in Illinois. The study covers the years of 2001 to 2003 and its results highlight challenges and opportunities nonprofit organizations face.
Moving Towards A System: Tools, Benchmarks and Standards
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2003
The full report on the Statewide Early Childhood Needs Assessment that presents findings on the highest-need communities and in each area of care and education assessed.
Moving Towards A System: Preview
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2003
A preview of the full report on the Statewide Early Childhood Needs Assessment that summarizes the study’s scope, highlights findings, and provides examples of how the data can be used.
We Need More Day Care Centers
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2003
A planning tool for community organizations and government agencies, our study shows that Latina mothers want preschool child care centers in their neighborhoods.
Early Childhood Care and Education Fact Book: Planning for Chicago’s Children in the New Century
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2002
This book is a community-planning document focusing on the top 20 Chicago communities needing additional licensed child care resources.
Great Spaces, Fresh Places
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2001
Documentation of three classroom makeovers, a collaboration between IFF and The Chicago MOST Initiative.
A Century of Caring for Children
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 2000
A history of federal and state child care legislation and programs for low-income children in Illinois.
Capacity Building Digest #5 Costs of Late Government Payments
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1999
Out of the Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century study grew the Capacity-Building Digest series, anecdotal examinations of issues affecting the capacity of nonprofits.
Capacity Building Digest #4 Mergers in the Nonprofit Sector
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1999
Out of the Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century study grew the Capacity-Building Digest series, anecdotal examinations of issues affecting the capacity of nonprofits.
Capacity-Building Digest #3 Social Entrepreneurship: The Double Bottom Line
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1999
Out of the Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century study grew the Capacity-Building Digest series, anecdotal examinations of issues affecting the capacity of nonprofits.
Capacity-Building Digest #2 Property Tax Exemption
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1999
Out of the Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century study grew the Capacity-Building Digest series, anecdotal examinations of issues affecting the capacity of nonprofits.
Capacity-Building Digest #1 Building the Nonprofit Board of Directors
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1999
Out of the Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century study grew the Capacity-Building Digest series, anecdotal examinations of issues affecting the capacity of nonprofits.
The Chicago Early Childhood Care and Education Needs Assessment
Research Type: Early Care and Education · Published: 1999
This study, the first of its kind, ranked Chicago’s 77 communities in terms of need for full-day, licensed child care services.
Illinois Nonprofits: Building Capacity for the Next Century
Research Type: Nonprofit Sector · Published: 1998
A statewide study of the financial health of the nonprofit sector. Published in 1998 by the IFF and the Donors Forum of Chicago.