This document provides an overview of asset mapping for community organizations. It defines asset mapping as a deliberate process to synthesize organizational resources to build on strengths and address challenges. The information generated from asset mapping can be used for awareness, economic development, planning, and collaboration. It outlines a 4-step process for asset mapping: 1) brainstorm people, places, groups associated with the organization; 2) refine the list; 3) create a visual map; and 4) periodically maintain and update the map. The goal of asset mapping is to identify community assets to leverage growth and inform decision-making.

1. Asset Mapping for Community
Organizations
Jessica Solomon for Spark Creativity

2. What is “Asset Mapping”?
• An Asset Map represents relationships and
opportunities and helps tell your
organization’s history (and future!).
• Asset Mapping is the deliberate process of
synthesizing organizational resources in order
to build on what’s working and address
challenges.
• 1. What is working in your organization? List at
least 3 things.
• 2. What are some challenges? List 3 things.

3. Why is Asset Mapping important?
The information generated can be used in a
variety of ways, for example:
• Awareness and marketing — promotion of assets and services to
stakeholders and potential stakeholders
• Economic development — information to leverage growth in
expanding and development
• Planning and policy — inform municipal decision-making related
to land use, social planning, community amenities and
infrastructure
• Networks and collaboration — information to connect cultural
groups
Rank in order of importance to you and your organization.

4. Well…let’s get to it!!!
Step 1: Brainstorm
Step 2: Refine
Step 3: Create
Step 4: Maintain (you’ll do this step at
home)

5. Step 1: Brainstorm
• Who are the people? Where
are the places? What are the
networks, groups, events and
items/products…associated
with your org?
• Tip: when you do this again invite
stakeholders who have specific
experience and knowledge of your
org/ the need you are addressing.
• Here’s an example…

6. Step 2: Refine
• Get specific. Name names!
(Is there something you want
to find out more about?
Make note of it.)
• Tip for later: Gather your
team to review the
outcomes of the brainstorm.
The list will give your team a
better sense of where and
what to look for when
creating a map.

7. Step 3: Create
• Time to create a visual
representation of all the
community assets you
identified (WOO HOO!).
Make it fun and
motivating! This visual
representation could
take many forms.
Here are a few popular
options…

8. Step 4: Maintain
Just like you update
project plans and
mission statements
periodically review and
update your Asset Map.
ID ways you can use your
assets in the next phase
of your organizational
development.

9. “Critical Praxis = Action +
Reflection"
- Paulo Freire