About
About the Data capacity Compass
The Data Capacity Compass is a comprehensive toolkit specifically crafted to assist nonprofits in navigating the complexities of data management and utilization. It features a series of eight dynamic tools designed to address distinct aspects of building organizational data capacity, guiding your organization through a journey of continuous improvement. We understand that many organizations don't know where to start, so the Compass begins with an assessment to help you pinpoint your needs and identify the most relevant tools.
From there, the Compass provides a structured pathway to help you strengthen your data management strategies, analyze your data effectively, and use it to drive decision-making and demonstrate your impact. This includes resources for optimizing your data processes, building your team's data skills, managing data projects, documenting and safeguarding your data, and using data to drive learning and improvement. While the Compass offers a comprehensive journey, it's also flexible and adaptable to your needs. You can choose to use the toolkit as a step-by-step guide or focus on specific tools that address your organization's unique challenges.
About the Practitioner Data Initiative
The Practitioner Data Initiative (PDI) is a Blueprint initiative funded by the Future Skills Centre that works directly with nonprofits to build their capacity to use data effectively. Recognizing that many organizations face challenges in leveraging data, the PDI provides training, resources, and support to help nonprofits integrate data into their decision-making processes. Through collaborative projects and hands-on learning, the PDI has helped numerous organizations improve their programs and demonstrate their impact. The Data Capacity Compass is a direct result of this work, capturing key lessons and best practices to make them accessible to all nonprofits.
For more information and associated reports, please see the Practitioner Data Initiative page on the Blueprint website.
At Blueprint, we are relentless champions of people-centered, data-driven, evidence-informed policy and practice
Blueprint was founded on the simple idea that evidence is a powerful tool for change. We work with policymakers and practitioners to create and use evidence to solve complex policy and program challenges. Our vision is a social policy ecosystem where evidence is used to improve lives, build better systems and policies and drive social change.
Our team brings together a multidisciplinary group of professionals with diverse capabilities in policy research, data analysis, design, evaluation, implementation, and knowledge mobilization.
Contributors
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Ben Berres is a seasoned data and technology leader with over 20 years of experience primarily focused on supporting children, youth, families, and communities through systems and initiatives across various sectors, including non-profits, public agencies, philanthropy, startups, and private industry.
Ben is a long time collaborator of Blueprint and held an advisory role on the Practitioner Data Initiative (PDI) project, bringing his experience to help the team and participating organizations integrate data and technology, making them more robust, right-sized, and adaptable.
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DARO builds systems that really work for organizations that do real-world good. DARO partners with nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and government entities across the globe, providing services in digital transformation, data and information architecture, evaluation and impact measurement, and data sharing and governance collaboratives.
DARO is based in Montreal, Quebec with an office in Houston, Texas. The Practitioner Data Initiative team includes DARO's Chief Impact Officer, Jesse Bourns; Senior Managers, Elle Gemma Gruver and Jonah Kotzer; and Project Coordinator, Jamie Kim.
Participating Organizations
The Data Capacity Compass would not have been possible without the invaluable contributions of the Future Skills Centre and the 15 nonprofit organizations who participated in the Practitioner Data Initiative. Their willingness to collaborate with Blueprint, share their experiences, and provide insights into their data journeys has been essential in shaping the development of this toolkit. We extend our sincere gratitude to these organizations for their partnership and commitment to building a stronger, more data-informed nonprofit sector.