Baton Rouge Area Foundation announces Opportunity Data Project

12.14.2023

Partnership with Common Good Labs will utilize data to understand how access to opportunity can be improved in Baton Rouge

 

 

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) today announced they have joined forces with Common Good Labs to launch the Opportunity Data Project, an innovative initiative that leverages data science to identify specific areas in need of philanthropic and social impact efforts. The project aims to enhance the quality of life in the Baton Rouge Area by using data-informed decision making to direct resources and support to areas that require the most attention. Today’s announcement is accompanied by the release of a project overview document and a deeper dive into community safety related data points. These papers can be accessed at opportunityBTR.org.

Through the Opportunity Data Project, BRAF and Common Good Labs are utilizing advanced data analysis techniques to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by the Baton Rouge community. By examining various data points (including economic indicators, education levels, healthcare access, and social disparities) the project will identify key areas where targeted interventions can make a significant difference.

Over the coming years, a series of research papers will be released detailing the stories data tell us about accessing opportunity in Baton Rouge. Future topics will align with the focus areas of the Opportunity Agenda unveiled by BRAF in early 2023: strong and safe neighborhoods, excellent education, healthy families, quality of life, economic prosperity, and regional resiliency.

Chris Meyer, president and CEO of BRAF, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Common Good Labs on this groundbreaking initiative. The Opportunity Data Project will provide us with invaluable insights into the specific needs of our community, enabling us to strategically direct our resources and efforts towards creating a lasting positive impact. Early next year BRAF will announce the first project we’ll be tackling as a direct result of this research.”

Rhett Morris, partner at Common Good Labs, emphasized the importance of data-driven decision-making in philanthropy, saying, “We believe that data science has the power to revolutionize the way communities approach social impact work. By harnessing the potential of data, we can identify the most effective strategies to address the challenges faced by the Baton Rouge area and drive meaningful change.”

The Opportunity Data Project represents a significant step forward in BRAF’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families in the Baton Rouge Area. By leveraging the power of data science, the project will enable BRAF to make informed decisions and allocate resources where they are most needed, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant community.

Visit opportunityBTR.org to read the first two papers and learn more about the Opportunity Data Project and the partnership between Baton Rouge Area Foundation and Common Good Labs.