How do you decide what data to track? Your answer will be as unique as your charity organization!
Start by defining your desired “proofs” and the data needed to demonstrate your success.
Here are 8 questions to facilitate that data tracking conversation:
- What would prove the accomplishment of our mission and vision?
- How do we measure our value to those we serve?
- What data would thrill our donors?
- What would improve our case for support for grant funding? (Pro tip: board membership diversity)
- What would validate our cause for the boards of top corporate sponsors?
- What stories do we tell when asked about our work? What mission-based outcomes do these stories celebrate?
- Who proclaims the value of the services you provide? Who are the people that quietly work for you without pay, or would? Do you share their testimonials?
- Do you need to change the way you work to achieve your goals?
Here’s a quick example. As you would expect, the board at a “college-prep” K – 12 nonprofit school wanted to show that their students went on to graduate from college. This discussion took place when their first students were in grades K – 3. Too early? Not so; they identified the need for alumni tracking to obtain the data they ultimately wanted. They started by collecting permanent addresses at enrollment and planning ways to keep in touch, like annual surveys. Along the way, they used standardized testing to show their students were being prepared for college. When these students were in middle school, their test scores proved that most were academically performing above grade level in all core subject areas.
Next, brainstorm simple systems to collect and track the data you identified. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Take your new data collection goals to your next staff meeting to brainstorm systems.
- Is there an app for that? Yep, several.
- Assemble a volunteer “Outcomes Measurement Committee” to do this work under the direction of your board or director.
What are your thoughts and ideas? Leave your comments below. Thanks!
As always, I work for you and am hoping for your every success!
