The Data for Impact program at DigitalC focuses on how nonprofit organizations can leverage data and data analysis for social change at the community level. Our focus is to understand and provide civic sector organizations strategy, direction and support for using data effectively. Our goal is to help change the civic sector field in regards to data use, adoption and analysis. We value partnerships, thoughtful design and co-creating services that meet organizations where they are at.
Projects:
The Data Maturity Project
In the nonprofit space, funders, donors and management are asking their nonprofits to use data more effectively to measure impact and improve efficiency. But how are nonprofits in the region using data and what supports do they need?
To better understand the data capacity of nonprofits in Cuyahoga County, DigitalC, along with Microsoft and the Foundation Center Midwest, is conducting the first ever Data Maturity Survey in the region. Our project is based on the findings and analysis of the Data Evolution Project completed in the United Kingdom by DataKind and Data Orchard. We believe that the survey and the resulting interventions will help nonprofit organizations, both locally and beyond, better achieve their missions by leveraging data more effectively.
For our project, the survey will be released to a number of 501c3 organizations Cuyahoga county in July 2018. The survey window will be open until August 2018 and then analysis on the results will begin. In the late summer/early fall of 2018, we will begin a series of design sessions with various regional nonprofits to discuss and co-create possible interventions.
DigitalC is thrilled to be partnering with Microsoft and the Foundation Center Midwest on this project.
Kevin Miller - National Civic Technology Manager / Microsoft Cities Team - Civic Engagement Microsoft Cities
“Every day we see how technology is transforming our world. We know nonprofits are hungry to use data more effectively, but it can be difficult to achieve since so little is known about individual organizations’ data maturity. We are thrilled to see DigitalC tackling this challenge head-on, bringing the power of technology to Cleveland and providing access to the opportunities it creates. I hope we begin to see similar initiatives in other cities.”
Teleange Thomas - Director, Foundation Center Midwest
"Foundation Center is an innovative nonprofit that consistently gathers and analyzes data, disseminates it worldwide and empowers individuals through training, knowledge tools and information to increase philanthropy's ability to improve the world. We value data and are thrilled to partner with DigitalC and Microsoft to assist nonprofits in Cuyahoga County understand their data maturity and build capacity over time; contributing to a strong social sector with effective, investment ready organizations to meet the needs of today and tomorrow."
Learning More About the Survey
To learn more about the Data Maturity Survey and project, please attend our Lunch and Learn on August 1, 2018 at DigitalC 6815 Euclid Ave. Cleveland. Please sign up at the following link: August 1 Survey Lunch and Learn. At this session we will discuss the rationale for the survey, the survey process and thoughts about interventions.
Taking the Survey
The Survey is available to nonprofit organizations within Cuyahoga County Ohio. If you would like to complete the survey now, please follow this link: https://www.questionpro.com/t/AOFN5ZcXwR. The survey should take no more than 20 minutes to complete and closes August 24th, 2018.
If you live and work outside Cuyahoga County Ohio, then please email us to discuss how we may be able to support your community in doing a data maturity survey. If you’d like to learn more about the survey you can email Joshua Terchek, Director of Research and Evaluation, at joshua.terchek@digitalc.org
Referring Others to the Survey
Once you have completed the survey yourself, you will be given the opportunity to refer colleagues at your organization to participate as well. The more individuals who participate, the more accurate the results will be so we encourage you to take the survey and invite others within Cuyahoga County to take the survey.