Community Resource Mapping:

What is Community Resource Mapping?

Community resource mapping is an interactive process used to identify and inventory existing resources in a community that can be engaged in addressing needs in a community. Community Resource Mapping, which can also be referred to as asset mapping, can be used to improve service delivery and outcomes as well as to identify gaps in services that are available in a community. The mapping process acknowledges that, while individual organizations within a community can spurs important positive change, no single organization can do all that is necessary alone. Organizational collaboration is at the heart of the mapping process.

Community resource mapping is being more widely utilized today as a critical step in program development. Several factors are contributing to this increased focus. One of the primary motivating factors is the current economic changes that are effecting funding for non-profit and other service organizations. As fiscal resources become more limited and difficult to access, organizations look more closely at their own resources and at their organizational capacity. Naturally, when an organization’s own resources and capacity are limited, partnership and collaboration become more crucial to addressing community needs.

Resource mapping allows an organization to identify potential partners and resources that can be engaged in addressing community needs. As fiscal resources become more scarce, organizational collaboration can effectively replace duplication of services within communities, and can also spur cross-disciplinary collaboration that can greatly improve services within a community.

On every level, organizations are being asked to cultivate partnerships to deliver multiple services via multiple providers. Community resource mapping is essential to efficient and comprehensive service delivery systems. Resource mapping isn’t just about resource directories, databases and lists; it is about creating a viable and living strategic road map for an entire community.