Vital Signs help identify the greatest needs for funding in the community
Vital Signs® is a community check-up that provides a snapshot of well-being in Guelph and Wellington County. Using local data and community insights, it helps identify challenges, opportunities, and priorities that can guide action and investment.
The Guelph Community Foundation leads this initiative to provide evidence for philanthropic decision-making and community planning. Developed in collaboration with local partners, Vital Signs encourages civic engagement, informs public discussion, and helps direct resources where they can have the greatest impact.
To ensure the information is both accurate and locally relevant, we work closely with Toward Common Ground, a collaborative network of social and health service organizations, and with a committee of community experts who help identify and review priority issues.
Additionally, we would like to thank United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin for being the supporting sponsor of our 2023 Vital Signs report.
A National Program
Vital Signs is Canada’s leading community-driven data program, coordinated by Community Foundations of Canada and delivered by local community foundations across the country. The program uses local data, research, and community engagement to identify emerging issues, spark conversation, and support solutions that strengthen communities.
As a member of Community Foundations of Canada, the Guelph Community Foundation is part of a network of more than 190 community foundations working together to build strong, resilient, and inclusive communities.
Reports and Resources
The 2023 and 2018 Vital Signs reports are available below. These reports are intended to inspire community conversations and inform action. The 2018 report, for example, helped support research and engagement related to the development of Guelph’s Community Plan.
The 2023 report incorporates 2021 Census data along with numerous local and national data sources. A complete list of references can be found on our References page.
In addition to Vital Signs reports, we produced a series of Vital Focus Reports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Published between 2020 and 2021, these reports were developed in partnership with Toward Common Ground, United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph-Public Health, the City of Guelph, Guelph Wellington Ontario Health Team and Wellington County.
2023 & 2018 Vital Signs Reports
2023 Vital Signs | 2018 Vital Signs
Community Foundations of Canada
Vital Signs is a national community-driven program led by Community Foundations of Canada and implemented by local community foundations across the country. Through research, local data, and community engagement, Vital Signs helps identify the issues that matter most in communities and inspires action to address them.
As a member of Community Foundations of Canada, the Guelph Community Foundation is part of a network of more than 190 community foundations working together to strengthen communities through philanthropy, local leadership, and strategic investment. Community foundations connect donors with community needs, support local charitable organizations, and help create lasting impact for current and future generations.
