# Introducing the Open Source Software Needs Assessment

**URL:** <https://discourse.opensourcediversity.org/t/introducing-the-open-source-software-needs-assessment/630>\
**Category:** ⭕ General\
**Created:** [August 2, 2021, 3:29pm UTC](https://discourse.opensourcediversity.org/t/introducing-the-open-source-software-needs-assessment/630 "2021-08-02T15:29:23Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![ginahelfrich](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex036/user_avatar/discourse.opensourcediversity.org/ginahelfrich/32/279_2.png) [@ginahelfrich](https://discourse.opensourcediversity.org/u/ginahelfrich)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2021, 3:29pm UTC](https://discourse.opensourcediversity.org/t/introducing-the-open-source-software-needs-assessment/630/1 "2021-08-02T15:29:23Z")

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I’m really pleased to share with this community that we’ve developed an easy to use, self-serve, web-based needs assessment toolkit for open source projects: [Open Source Software Needs Assessment Toolkit | Information Saves Lives | Internews](https://internews.org/areas-of-expertise/global-tech/resources/open-source-software-lightweight-needs-assessment/)

The toolkit helps identify the needs, pain points, opportunities, and strengths of open source tool teams. The output of the OSS Needs Assessment is a clear baseline picture of the health of the tool, the top 5 areas of concern for the tool team, and concrete, specific steps the team can take to achieve their vision and goals.

The plan is made available as a printable document at the end of the self-assessment. This document can then be leveraged to develop grant proposals and a clear rationale supporting the project’s need for various resources.

If your team decides to take the self-assessment, I’d love to hear your feedback on the experience!