It takes more than heart and soul to change the world - you also need data. Learn how to measure what matters to drive impact, no matter how 'small' your nonprofit is. Dr. Alexandra Mannerings brings experts from every corner of the public good sector and beyond to have approachable, actionable conversations about how to take your next step with analytics, especially if you don't fancy yourself a 'data person'.
If we want to achieve the greatest good you can, we need to know if we're headed in the right direction, if what we're doing is working, and how we can amplify our progress. Combining the insights of data with the wisdom of people is the best way to maximize fundraising, evaluate our programs, make the most of our resources, and drive change. That's why Heart, Soul & Data is here to help you break down the barriers, cut through the confusion, translate the jargon, and guide you along the way to amplifying your nonprofit's impact with data. Listen in and let's explore the world of analytics for good together!
Your host, Alexandra Mannerings, is the founder of Merakinos, a data services and analytic education company devoted to nonprofits and social enterprises. A decade of measuring what matters in low-resource environments from Ghana to Atlanta has taught her how to ask impactful questions of data - even when it's just you in the wilderness. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Science (Epidemiology) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and BSc in Biology from Emory University. She has also run the Data Center at a state hospital association, rowed for the Light Blues, built trails across Colorado parks, and is currently raising two spirited toddlers.
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It takes more than heart and soul to change the world - you also need data. Learn how to measure what matters to drive impact, no matter how 'small' your nonprofit is. Dr. Alexandra Mannerings brings experts from every corner of the public good sector and beyond to have approachable, actionable conversations about how to take your next step with analytics, especially if you don't fancy yourself a 'data person'.
If we want to achieve the greatest good you can, we need to know if we're headed in the right direction, if what we're doing is working, and how we can amplify our progress. Combining the insights of data with the wisdom of people is the best way to maximize fundraising, evaluate our programs, make the most of our resources, and drive change. That's why Heart, Soul & Data is here to help you break down the barriers, cut through the confusion, translate the jargon, and guide you along the way to amplifying your nonprofit's impact with data. Listen in and let's explore the world of analytics for good together!
Your host, Alexandra Mannerings, is the founder of Merakinos, a data services and analytic education company devoted to nonprofits and social enterprises. A decade of measuring what matters in low-resource environments from Ghana to Atlanta has taught her how to ask impactful questions of data - even when it's just you in the wilderness. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Science (Epidemiology) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and BSc in Biology from Emory University. She has also run the Data Center at a state hospital association, rowed for the Light Blues, built trails across Colorado parks, and is currently raising two spirited toddlers.
Erin MacKenney from the St John Learning Exchange discusses her journey to implement a data plan and outcomes-based funding model. Through collaborative efforts and engaging practices like 'data parties,' she's embraced a culture of data-driven decision-making. Erin's expertise highlights the importance of focused learning, balanced with a commitment to progress over perfection, for nonprofits navigating similar paths.
Key Takeaways
Transitioning to an outcomes-based funding model can provide more freedom and flexibility in achieving key outcomes.
Engaging the team through data parties and collaborative processes can help overcome resistance and build buy-in.
Developing a quality of life survey can capture valuable insights and empower learners to reflect on their own progress.
Continuous refinement and improvement are essential in data management and analysis.
Nonprofits should focus on their own expertise and involve stakeholders in the data process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background01:21 State of Data and Insights Prior to PDI Program05:30 Key Outcomes and Measurement09:35 Engaging the Team and Data Parties12:28 Developing the Quality-of-Life Survey15:37 Collaboration and the Data Analysis Working Group20:41 Refinement and Continuous Improvement23:32 Designing the Quality-of-Life Survey31:13 Balancing Realism and Optimism39:31 Recommendations for Other Nonprofits44:01 Conclusion and Contact Information
Guest Bio
Erin has a background in education and close to 10 years of experience working in poverty reduction in the non-profit sector. Throughout her career she has developed a passion for evaluation as a means to understand impact. Currently she is the Program Director and Measurement, Evaluation and Learning Lead at the Saint John Learning Exchange in Saint John, NB Canada. In her role she leads the charge in developing stronger and more efficient data collection processes, creating and incorporating new tools, building the organization's data culture, and getting the team excited about the impact of their work. She loves to make talking about data fun and has been known to throw a great data party!
Heart, Soul & Data
It takes more than heart and soul to change the world - you also need data. Learn how to measure what matters to drive impact, no matter how 'small' your nonprofit is. Dr. Alexandra Mannerings brings experts from every corner of the public good sector and beyond to have approachable, actionable conversations about how to take your next step with analytics, especially if you don't fancy yourself a 'data person'.
If we want to achieve the greatest good you can, we need to know if we're headed in the right direction, if what we're doing is working, and how we can amplify our progress. Combining the insights of data with the wisdom of people is the best way to maximize fundraising, evaluate our programs, make the most of our resources, and drive change. That's why Heart, Soul & Data is here to help you break down the barriers, cut through the confusion, translate the jargon, and guide you along the way to amplifying your nonprofit's impact with data. Listen in and let's explore the world of analytics for good together!
Your host, Alexandra Mannerings, is the founder of Merakinos, a data services and analytic education company devoted to nonprofits and social enterprises. A decade of measuring what matters in low-resource environments from Ghana to Atlanta has taught her how to ask impactful questions of data - even when it's just you in the wilderness. She earned her PhD in Veterinary Science (Epidemiology) from the University of Cambridge, UK, and BSc in Biology from Emory University. She has also run the Data Center at a state hospital association, rowed for the Light Blues, built trails across Colorado parks, and is currently raising two spirited toddlers.
