Why Data Matters for Nonprofits
Part II: Data's Growing Role in Nonprofit Success: A Q&A with Libby V
In Part 1, we talked about why data matters now more than ever, especially for building trust and making your fundraising more effective. But the power of data doesn’t stop there. In this next conversation, we dig deeper into how nonprofits can use data to strengthen programs, engage their communities with more intention, and make strategic decisions, even with limited resources. Spoiler: you don’t need a full-time data analyst to start telling stronger stories or centering community voice.
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Watch the Take Five Workshop video Using Data to Drive Impact to learn how to transform data into powerful narratives that drive funding and build trust.
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What are the most effective ways to engage community members in the data collection and storytelling process?
Start by shifting the mindset: Data collection isn’t something you do to a community—it’s something you co-create with them. When community members help shape what gets measured and how stories are told, the data becomes more meaningful, and the process becomes more just.
This might look like:
- Hosting listening sessions to develop surveys with your community
- Training folks to lead interviews or co-write impact stories
- Paying participants for their time and knowledge
- Building in feedback loops to show people how their input led to change
When people see that their voices aren’t just being collected but actually used to inform decisions and shape programs, it builds real trust. Plus, the stories that come from the community itself? They’re more powerful, more honest, and more likely to resonate.
“Nothing is more compelling than having the people you serve involved in that storytelling.”
What are some innovative ways nonprofits can use data beyond fundraising?
Data is a decision-making tool. Whether you’re adjusting a program, setting priorities, or advocating for policy change, data helps you move from gut feelings to grounded strategy.
Here are a few ideas:
- Program Improvement: Use data to understand what’s working (and what’s not) so you can refine services and better meet community needs.
- Advocacy: Lawmakers respond to numbers. Data on gaps, needs, or success stories can powerfully support systems change work.
- Operations: Even basic tracking—like inventory, attendance, or staff hours—can uncover ways to improve efficiency or reallocate resources.
- Volunteer Engagement: Use data to track retention, improve onboarding, or recognize volunteers for their contributions.
And remember, it’s not about collecting more data; it’s about collecting the right data and using it with intention.
What advice do you have for small nonprofits with limited resources who want to get better at data storytelling?
Keep it simple. You don’t need fancy dashboards or consultants to tell a powerful data story.
Here’s where to start:
- Choose 2-3 key outcomes that really matter, and focus your tracking there
- Use what you have: Google Sheets, Excel, and free Canva templates go a long way
- Prioritize consent, clarity, and security, especially when collecting or sharing stories
- Visualize your data in ways that are creative and accessible: charts, simple graphics, short videos
- Look around: Learn from other orgs doing great data storytelling and adapt what fits your context
Data storytelling isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. Every step toward more ethical, intentional, and engaging storytelling helps your work speak for itself.
Brady Ware Nonprofit Advisors want to help you fulfill your mission with financial health and compliance services and a network of nonprofit consultants who specialize in strategic decision-making.
Nonprofit Video Series
Using Data to Drive Impact for Nonprofits with Libby V
Unlock the power of your data for good! This video workshop guides nonprofits in ethically leveraging data to demonstrate impact, build trust, and craft compelling narratives that resonate with funders and communities alike.
Libby Villavicencio
Nonprofit Champion
Libby V & Associates
About the Author
Libby V is a nonprofit strategist and philanthropic advisor. With deep roots in community work, Libby helps mission-driven organizations build fundraising strategies that are bold, ethical, and rooted in genuine relationships. She believes the most powerful data comes from listening—especially to those closest to the issues—and that sustainable change starts with trust, not transactions. When she’s not leading strategy sessions or coaching changemakers, you’ll find her advocating for more joy, more transparency, and way less gatekeeping in the nonprofit sector.