Wilder Research

About Wilder Research Wilder Research is a nationally respected nonprofit research and evaluation group. We work with nonprofits, community leaders, government agencies, foundations and policymakers throughout Minnesota and the country to gather and interpret facts and trends, help them uncover and understand issues affecting their communities and how best to address them, and inform action that improves lives and communities. Mission To improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities through research and evaluation. Values Objective Culturally responsive Collaborative Community-engaged OUR CLIENTS We partner with our clients to develop and implement projects that meet their needs. Here are a few of the clients we have worked with in the past year. CLUES Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio The Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Greater Twin Cities United Way HealthEast Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts Minnesota Tribal Collaborative to Prevent and End Homelessness Minnesota Board on Aging Minnesota Department of Education Minnesota Department of Health Minnesota Department of Human Services National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable Northside Achievement Zone Oromo Community of Minnesota Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Saint Paul and Minnesota Foundations Saint Paul Public Schools Ujamaa Place University of Minnesota Center for Early Education and Development OUR HISTORY 1910s In 1917, the Amherst H. Wilder Charity conducted its first research project, surveying housing conditions in the city of St. Paul. The findings describe sections of the city unsuited for human habitation, prompt public outrage, and result in the first St. Paul housing ordinance. 1940s Wilder's Board of Directors authorizes a formal Research and Statistics division, which uses census data to monitor trends and needs of the metro, and assists nonprofits with evaluations of their programs and services. 1970s Wilder Research Center develops a client record system for the Wilder Foundation and conducts needs assessment studies of specific populations including the elderly, single parents, and young adults living in the East Metro area. 1980s Wilder Research expands its reach with a statewide study examining issues affecting older adults, and conducts its first homeless study uncovering the plight of homeless families, youth, and children living in Saint Paul. 1990s Wilder Research develops the Metro Trend Watch, developing and maintaining a set of indicators to track the health of the East Metro. Today Wilder Research works with hundreds of organizations to assess the impact and economic value of their programs, improve their operations and outcomes, plan for the future, allocate funds, revise policies, and increase public awareness of important issues affecting our communities. Our triennial statewide Minnesota Homeless Study receives national recognition for its critical role in providing data used by state and local planners, policy makers and service providers. Minnesota Compass, expanded from Metro Trend Watch, provides trend data on issues affecting the state's well-being.