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.
Taj Carson, founder of Inciter, shares her journey from academia to creating Inciter. She discusses the challenges of data collection, the need for efficient systems, and thoughtful tool selection. Taj emphasizes data governance, clear policies, and regular quality assessments, exploring data strategy and the choice between building internal capacity or partnering.
Key Takeaways
Regular data quality assessment is essential to ensure accurate and reliable data for decision-making.
Small to medium-sized nonprofits should assess their skills and capacity internally and consider partnering with external experts.
Organizations should make intentional choices about their data strategy based on their capacity
Data governance is crucial from the first time data is collected, and it becomes even more important when different systems are integrated.
Chapters
00:00 Origin Story and Background07:58 Challenges with Data Collection and Management11:42 Tool Selection Process23:18 Importance of Data Governance28:46 Connecting Technical Tools and Information Needs33:21 Balancing Opposing Poles35:34 Building Internal Capacity or Partnering41:04 Regular Data Quality Assessment
Guest Bio
Dr. Taj Carson is the CEO and Founder of Inciter (formerly Carson Research Consulting), a firm that help nonprofits with data management and reporting challenges, including evaluation reporting. Dr. Carson has more than 25 years’ experience working in research and evaluation, and 10 years of experience in the field of data technology. She received a Master’s degree in Information Visualization from the Maryland Institute College of Art (2015), a certificate in technology entrepreneurship from the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (2010), and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Delaware (2000).
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.
