Digging Into Program Data: Presenting and Using the Data
In our increasingly data-driven world, nonprofits need to be able to measure and monitor the effectiveness of their programs more than ever. It’s difficult to improve program services or reach without first understanding what's working and what isn't. Gathering the right data is key. From how many meals served at your soup kitchen or the number of students in a mentoring program who graduate high school to the percent of your target population without access to affordable housing, being able to track such numbers can help you identify the improvement or impact of your programs or organization.
Throughout this three-part course, we’ll explore how real organizations are using their data, and provide ample opportunities to talk through how this applies to your own organization.
Through participation in this course, you will:
Learn how to ask the right questions of your data.
Explore the many places where data can live.
Evaluate multiple strategies for presenting your data.
Dive into case studies of real organizations using data to make decisions.
December 17: Presenting and Using Your Data
It's not enough just to define and collect the data. Even if you work at a one-person organization, you’ll likely need to share that data with other colleagues, board members, and the community at large in order to bring about change. Presenting your findings visually and making sure that your organizational process includes making use of the data will ensure you can make the most of it.
This abridged course is targeted at program staff, leadership staff, and fundraising staff—really anyone who is responsible for measuring outcomes or results for their organization. This is a beginner-to-intermediate course for the everyday staffer (or board member) who is tasked with evaluation but doesn't know where to start or has started, but wants to revise or improve their current program. We will walk through the process of data evaluation from start to finish—you don’t need a PhD in program evaluation to follow along, you just need to show and take part in our conversation!
NDANO offers live in-person and online learning opportunities for nonprofits, often with partners. Members receive discounted rates on all NDANO events. All times are Central unless otherwise indicated.
Do you have a learning opportunity or event for North Dakota nonprofits to add to our calendar? Email NDANO with the details.
