Resource : Harnessing Shared Experiences – Using Data to Drive Impact
The nonprofit sector is facing a unique moment. With political shifts, funding uncertainties, and growing community needs, many organizations are rethinking how they collect, share, and use data.
This month’s Data & Evaluation Quarterly Series brought together Central Texas data and evaluation nonprofit professionals to reflect together, exchange strategies, and imagine new ways forward, in community. Led by Karen Gonzalez, Director of Community and Learning at JUST and Ashika Raval, GM Senior Consultant.
Through a facilitated discussion, we dove into three topics, data to action, navigating the political landscape and tools & resources.
Whether you’re seeking resources to navigate your organization’s data challenges or simply curious about current practices, we invite you to explore these takeaways. Insights were shaped by a diverse group of senior leaders, program staff, data managers, and sector consultants.
From Data to Action: Making Meaningful Connections
Prioritize purpose and representation. Collect data only when it serves clients, staff, funders, or the community—and ensure people see themselves reflected in it.
Build trust through ethics; explain why you’re collecting data, offer choice, and show care in the process.
Use open-ended responses, visuals, and storytelling to add depth and connection.Go beyond numbers.
Navigating the Political Landscape: Balancing Safety and Accountability
Limit identifiable data, reduce reliance on photos, and use private or virtual formats when safety is at risk.
Meet funder needs while safeguarding trust; stay flexible in response to political shifts.
Clearly communicate how data is used, and remember that qualitative stories and images can cause harm if misused.
Tools & Resources: Sharing What Works
Platforms like Salesforce and dashboards are powerful when designed around staff needs.
Peer networks, partners, and think tanks often provide the most valuable insights.
Build capacity and sustainability. Ensure multiple staff can work with data systems and focus on progress over perfection.
Celebrate resilience. Honor small and large wins to sustain energy and morale.
This gathering was a part of our Good Measure Data & Evaluation Series, a place for data & evaluation professionals across the Central non-profit sector to gain accessible, relevant and tangible data & evaluation tools.
If you are interested in learning more about the Good Measure Data & Evaluation Series or want to get involved with building future programing, reach out to Ashika Raval, Senior Good Measure Consultant at ashikar@missioncapital.org.