Ready to turn your non-profit into a powerhouse of resources and change? It’s time to tap into the power of data!
Step 1: The Four C’s of Data
Think of data as your trusty sidekick. Collect, clean, and compile that data into a sleek, uniform format. Calculate rates, counts, quantities—whatever fuels your data engine. No need to be an analytics wizard; just dive in! The best metrics will practically introduce themselves. Your mission? Craft a data-driven narrative that’ll leave an impact.
Step 2: Extract the Change
Now that you’ve got data in hand and a beginner’s mindset, ask yourself: “What’s the data telling us?” Uncover the shifts, trends, and differences. Sure, you might spot a hiccup or two, but that’s all part of the mission journey. For instance, your hygiene product delivery program might show a dip in numbers, but guess what? Quality might be soaring, or a new group is now in the spotlight. Craft a story that showcases your organization’s epic growth and adaptability.
Step 3: Attach Reason and Support
Don’t let your metrics be solitary numbers. Give a practical explanation behind them. Empower them with your mission! Share the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of your mission. Your donors want the nitty-gritty, the behind-the-scenes drama. It’s about transparency and inviting your audience to witness the real impact, not just the surface numbers. Your story is most of your metrics’ power!
Step 4: Set Future Expectations (a.k.a. Predict the Future)
Time to play visionary with your data. Look back at those metrics and predict how they’ll flex in the future. Use your analytical senses—strike a balance between what’s achievable and what’s wish-list material. Realistic expectations ensure you hit those impact goals. Dream big, and the rewards might just be a surge of data power. The force is in your hands!
What’s next?
It’s not a one-and-done deal. Unleash. Empower. Repeat. At first, maybe only a metric or two make it through the cycle. But fear not, data power is harnessed over time! With every iteration, your reporting prowess levels up. Data conquering is a journey, not a destination. So, gear up, and continue!
Your Turn! We have a special tool made by our very own data expert, Gavin Clark. With this tool, you will:
- Discern the data you have
- Track the changes you are making over time
- Effectively communicate your data to donors and other stakeholders
Don’t wait, sign up to download this helpful tool now.
