Insight Region®

The Center for Community Research at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

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Launched in 2020, Insight Region® is the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia’s center for community research. It is a growing hub for reliable, well-researched, and actionable data and analyses on issues critical to the region.

In 2022, Insight Region® began a multi-report project focusing on Mental Health, which continued into 2023. In addition, reports were released on the needs of Northern Virginia's Seniors, and on income inadequacy. 

In 2021, Insight Region®  focused on understanding and promoting Inclusive Prosperity – increasing self-sufficiency, expanding economic opportunity, and forging pathways for long-term movements out of poverty for all of Northern Virginia’s residents.

In 2024, Insight Region® focused on indicators of social trust and how only a quarter of Americans say that most people can be trusted. Americans’ belief that others can be trusted has reached a historic low, declining 47 percent from 1984 through 2022.

In 2025, Insight Region®  will focus on the Health and Safety of Children and Youth in Northern Virginia.

Join us for our next event, and enjoy our past events below.

Insight Region Deep Dive: Continuing the Conversation about Health and Safety of NOVA Youth

Apr 7, 2025 12:00 PM

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of webinars where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

In April, we will take a deeper dive into the critical issues impacting the safety and well-being of youth in Northern Virginia. We will explore key challenges related to students' perceptions of safety, mental health concerns, and trends in substance use across the region. This session will continue conversations from the Shape of the Region Conference on March 25 (seats are still available but filling fast – register today!).

Insight Region Deep Dive: The State of Food Insecurity for Northern Virginia Youth

Jun 17, 2025 12:00 PM

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of webinars where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the growing issue of food scarcity among youth in Northern Virginia. This session will explore the complex factors contributing to food insecurity in the region, the impact it has on the health and well-being of local young people, and the innovative solutions being implemented to address this critical issue.

Insight Region Deep Dive: Housing Needs of Northern Virginia Youth

Aug 21, 2025 12:00 PM
The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of webinars where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

In this session, we will explore the critical issue of housing instability among youth in Northern Virginia, a growing challenge that impacts their overall well-being, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. With rising housing costs and a lack of affordable options, many young people in the region are facing uncertainty and insecurity in their living situations. Key topics will include the scope of housing instability in NOVA, impact on youth development, identifying their needs, and community solutions working to address this widespread issue. 

Insight Region Deep Dive: Back to School: Focus on NOVA Youth Educational Performance

Sep 16, 2025 12:00 PM

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of webinars where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

As students in Northern Virginia head back to school, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the educational performance of youth in the region. This session will explore key factors influencing academic success, challenges facing students, and the support systems that can help improve educational outcomes for all learners. Key topics will include: current trends in educational performance, barriers to success, support systems and interventions, and collaborative solutions. 





2025 Shape of the Region Conference: 

Creating Safe, Supportive Futures for Northern Virginia’s Youth

Northern Virginia’s youth face alarming challenges, with 13.2% feeling unsafe at school and suicide now the second leading cause of death for children aged 10-14. On March 13, 2025, the Shape of the Region Conference will convene state and national experts to explore solutions that create safer spaces, prevent bullying and substance abuse, and expand mental health access. Together, we’ll discuss how these efforts can empower our youth to thrive academically, enter the workforce, and secure pathways to economic mobility—ensuring Northern Virginia remains a place they call home. Join us in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
REGISTER


Deep Dive Series

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. Each session is led by our Senior Director of Insight Region®, Denise Bellows.Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights, connect with thought leaders, and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of our community.
REGISTER



Social Healing

February 9, 2024

This event launched the report Indicators of Social Trusthighlighting a key problem facing our region, and the whole country today: Americans’ belief that most people can be trusted.

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The Economic Impact of Mental Health

October 10, 2023

This event launched the report The Economic Impact of Mental Health in Northern Virginia, putting in concrete money terms how much money the region loses each year because of mental health.


Getting By

August 29, 2023

This event launched the report Getting By: How Northern Virginians Respond When There is Less to Go Around, describing income inadequacy across Northern Virginia.

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Growing Old Together in Northern Virginia

March 23, 2023

This event launched the report Growing Old Together In Northern Virginia: The Family, Homes, and Budgets our Region Needs as we Age at the 2023 Shape of the Region Conference. A full recording of the conference is available below.

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The Shape of Youth Mental Health

January 31, 2023

This event launched the report The Shape of Youth Mental Health at an event hosted by George Mason University. A recording of the presentation is available below.

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Finding Our Way Back to Mental Health

March 15, 2022

This event launched the report Finding our Way Back to Mental Health: The Need for Accessible, affordable treatment in the Midst of Collective Trauma at the 2022 Shape of the Region Conference. A recording of the conference is available below.

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Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for Life

October 28, 2021

This event launched the report Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for Life: The causes and consequences of Northern Virginia's preschool enrollment disparity. Watch the full event below, hosted by Elizabeth Hughes, Senior Director of Insight Region®, and featuring experts on early childhood education policy as well as stories from parents and providers.

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