History
One of the most significant struggles for organizations and researchers alike is the dispersed and disparate nature of human and social capital data. In the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community, reliable data is critical to understanding the effects of human and social capital initiatives on planning services, program evaluations, public policy, and academic research. However, such information is rarely shared across sources, thereby limiting organizations' ability to measure a variety of outcomes. Recognizing the need for such a community resource, in 2003, the UNC Charlotte sponsored a feasibility study to understand the viability of and structures necessary to respond to these growing community and academic needs. As a result of the study, the Institute for Social Capital ("ISC") was founded in April, 2004 by the Foundation of UNC Charlotte with the aim of improving outcomes for children, youth and families in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.