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The Providence Plan is a private nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social well-being for all city residents. We conduct data analysis and develop information tools designed to influence the decisions of community leaders and policymakers. We also operate programs that confront the most pressing issues facing city residents. Our expertise can be categorized into four areas. 1. We build and maintain a data warehouse. Conducting in-depth data analysis requires the ability to examine multiple sources of  data at different levels of geographies. Over the past decade, ProvPlan has built and maintained a data warehouse with information about people, education, health, public safety, property, and housing. We have also built a Providence database that allows users to examine any of these issues by neighborhood, street, or individual address.  2. We are experts in mapping and GIS. Maps tell stories and answer questions in ways that words and tables cannot. The maps and GIS tools on our Web site are designed for residents, community groups, and professionals. Content such as Neighborhood Profiles and Map/Fact of the Month contain general information such as basic statistics, charts, and maps. "The Mapper" is a series of powerful interactive tools that allow users to create customized maps and examine issues at virtually any level of geography.
 3. We are a community convener. One way in which we fulfill our mission is to create independent forums where people can come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Over the years, ProvPlan has built a reputation as the place where all parties can come together to discuss ideas and formulate strategy.
4. We incubate new initiatives. From time to time, ProvPlan cultivates new initiatives in search of an organizational home. These projects are often a direct link to our data and information work. They may emerge from work being done in the city or initiatives that we have replicated from other cities. ProvPlan’s reputation for governance, fiscal sponsorship, program management, and fundraising helps these projects mature and grow. Examples include: Ready to Learn Providence, YouthBuild Providence, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council, New Roots Providence, and the Urban Revitalization Fund of Rhode Island. Projects that we incubate always coincide with our mission. |
