Two Years of Data, One Big Question: Are We Seeing Improvements in the Outcomes of our Community Giving?

By: Missy Hanks, Executive Director

In March 2025, I met with several local leaders to discuss key issues facing our community. A central theme emerged: the need for more effective charity, particularly in light of the 2024 Overall Assistance Charity Tracker report.

In 2024, agencies using Charity Tracker recorded 48,782 assistance services across 6,696 households in Madison County, totaling 12,551 individuals. Of those served, 51% were adults ages 18–59, representing individuals in their prime working years. Seniors made up 13% of the total, while children accounted for 32%. This raises an important question: Are we adequately equipping working-age adults to achieve long-term independence? As our population in Huntsville/Madison County grows and ages, this concern becomes even more critical.

Now, one year later, the 2025 data shows significant growth. Agencies reported providing 77,266 services to 9,054 households, serving a total of 17,203 individuals. The demographic breakdown remained largely unchanged, with 50.02% of those served are still in their earning years, 14% seniors, and 32.4% children. While the volume of services has increased, the data suggest limited progress in improving long-term outcomes such as employment, wages, and self-sufficiency.

It is important to note that increased participation in Charity Tracker has led to a 63% rise in recorded services. However, we cannot fully evaluate the effectiveness of our efforts until all service providers (nonprofits, churches, and other helping groups) consistently report data and track outcomes. While outputs like food, clothing, financial assistance toward utility bills or rent are important, they do not equate to outcomes. True impact and success is measured by meaningful, lasting change in individuals’ lives.

The City of Huntsville’s Community Development Department is inviting and encouraging all agencies that receive city funding to use HIPAA-compliant data reporting software. This will support more consistent and accurate measurement of how services are improving the quality of life across our community. To note, this database helps agencies, churches, and helping groups avoid duplication of services. If an individual has already received assistance for a particular need, it is recorded in the database. This means that more resources for the seniors and children in our community.

At The ELM Foundation, our guiding question remains: What can we do for you today, so that you won’t need us again tomorrow?

If you want to learn how your organization can make a greater impact with Charity Tracker or need additional training, please contact Cathy at cathy@elmhsv.org!