What Neighborhood Networks Centers Need To Know About the Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) Assessment

The Strategic Tracking and Reporting Tool (START) is multifaceted business planning software designed to assist centers in collecting and retaining critical data and information about center operations, programs, and services.

However, START is not intended to be a static document, but rather a business-planning tool that can and should be regularly updated, modified, and revised to reflect center activities, growth, and development.

The Assessment section of START is a way for centers to annually report on what actually happened at the center in contrast to what was planned to happen at the center. As such, it serves as a useful measure of successful outcomes, which you can then use to indicate your center's accomplishments when applying for funding and approaching potential partners.

START has been designed to numerically populate portions of the Assessment with information that you previously provided in your approved START business plan for that fiscal year. You are then asked to provide actual numbers and information about the programs and services provided to complete the Assessment.

Other Assessment components allow you to showcase the center's successes, provide budget analysis, comment on what worked well and why, and provide center user data on employment, skill training, and homeownership.

When completed, the Assessment section of START can be electronically submitted to your HUD Neighborhood Networks Coordinator. The Assessment should be completed annually and reflect the work of the center for the fiscal year (October 1st to September 30th). It should be submitted no later than October 31st of each year.

In addition to providing a valuable lens with which to view the center's activities, having a completed and approved Assessment is also a requirement to achieve Certified Center Classification.

For assistance with any part of the Assessment, call Neighborhood Networks staff toll free at (888) 312-2743.