Nonprofit organisations are realising now more than ever that data is a valuable and a critical resource. Sadly (or not), digital media (and technology) only made it more complicated (seemingly). A simple online search for keywords like DATA FOR NONPROFITS usually churns out massive results spanning the vast world of data science. For people new to data, or people not primarily working with or in the field of data science, this can be painfully inundating — knowing where to start, understanding needs or what technologies to use per time and how. Unfortunately, the current wave of nonprofit technology puts data at the center of measuring real impact. So data can no longer just be observed; you need to put it to work.
Now, even for small nonprofits, data management is no more about collection and storage; it is no more about visualisations or vanity metrics; data quality and interpretation is fast becoming that critical factor that determines how critical impact is measured. Data interpretation is the new science, and a critical component in determining successful programs, services or engagement. The process of collection, management and analysis of data is becoming increasingly more important for nonprofit organizations. Savvy data management and analysis has been seen to lead to increased funding and better programs and services, and has become critical to sustaining the work of nonprofits.
Now, even for small nonprofits, data management is no more about collection and storage; it is no more about visualisations or vanity metrics; data quality and interpretation is fast becoming that critical factor that determines how real impact is measured. Data interpretation is the new science; it is a critical component in determining successful programs, services or engagements. The process and technology of data collection, management and analysis is gradually evolving too. Savvy data management and analysis has been seen to lead to increased funding and better programs and services, and has become critical to sustaining the work of nonprofits.
A starting point is in managing nonprofit data in a way that not only saves time but allows you to produce outcomes such as reports, dashboards and stories. Taking it further is turning your data into actionable information.
But, Data Management is not simple, especially for nonprofits that lack a data team or an expert. There are so many tools, services and options for nonprofits to consider to help them make sense of all the information they’re collecting. A starting point is in managing nonprofit data in a way that not only saves time but allows you to produce outcomes such as reports, dashboards and stories. Taking it further is turning your data into actionable information. Also, in assessing the need for, designing and implementing a strategic nonprofit technology plan, understanding and outlining key considerations to make while searching for a new data system and implementing a chosen system, is a real need.
A (EASY) WAY FORWARD
These and many more were the dilemma I began dealing with when I started out exploring the world of data. Yet I am still a long way off, especially given that it is not my primary work yet. So how did I navigate thus far? Well, I realized after a while that it is not easy to outline a specific path into learning about data. As the need varies, so does the path. However, a common approach I adapted from self-learning in general is leveraging the strength of a community of practice. Exploring and tapping into existing clusters or niches in the nonprofit technology community has helped me gradually carve a clearer path over time.
I will share below few organisations with resources that could get you started; to help you start exploring in order to further understand your passion with nonprofit data, your needs, current information in the field, and find communities that you can interact with. The beauty of it all is these resources are mostly free.
TECH IMPACT: They pride themselves (and actually live up to it) as the place nonprofits can call to make sense of anything from large-scale technology projects, to technology maintenance and support. Their key resources include:
- Tech Impact Webinars: Found on their event page is a schedule of very rich, free webinars you can follow.
- Nonprofit Technology Resources: Whitepapers, Case Studies, Trainings, Webinar Recordings…accessible in various formats.
- Tech Impact Blog: I have taken the liberty to filter out only blogs on data in this link.
GOODWILL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: GCF believes there’s freedom in the ability to learn what you want, when you want, regardless of income or circumstances. We offer tutorials on the subjects you need to continue your education—or get it started. I am personally grateful for their resources. Find them at gcflearnfree.org.
- This Google Sheets tutorial will show you how to use the powerful tools in Google Sheets for organizing, visualizing, and calculating your data.
SCHOOL OF DATA: Information that directly impact people’s lives is increasingly accessible but civil society is falling behind in making effective use of it. So the global network of the School of Data is committed to advancing data literacy in civil society. From essential to thematic focus on data, find their online courses via schoolofdata.org/courses.
TECHSOUP: Techsoup partners with leading civil society organizations to manage a range of capacity building programs across the world. Key resources from TechSoup include:
- NetSquared Communities: NetSquared gathers together nonprofits and activists, tech leaders and funders, and everyone who’s interested in using technology for social change. You could join a local group or start one. Ask me how.
- TechSoup Courses: Online, anytime, expert-led tech training designed for nonprofits and libraries.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but it should help wet your appetite.
And perhaps you are well versed in data science and feel this information could be better presented to help newbies, or more helpful resources (without being overwhelming) should be included here, could you share with us in the comment section please. Thank you.