Learn why program and activity providers must plan for data and tell their story of impact with Carrie Underwood, the senior evaluation consultant at Arly.
Your program is making a difference, but how do you prove it? More importantly, how do you use that proof to inspire action, build trust and sustain momentum?
Data isn’t just for funders or annual reports. It’s the foundation of your story and highlights how your program supports participants and strengthens your community.
Why Your Story Matters
Data helps you do more than evaluate success — it empowers you to:
Mobilize public and private resources.
Build trust with families, funders and community partners.
Recruit and retain top-notch staff and volunteers.
Advocate for the value of your program.
To get there, you need to move beyond anecdotal evidence and into measurable, concrete outcomes. That starts with intentional planning.
Plan Before You Launch
Before your next program begins, carve out time to:
Identify key stakeholders and include their perspectives.
Create a list of meaningful metrics to collect such as attendance rates, stakeholder survey outcomes, meals provided or family engagement activities. Focus on what matters to your program.
Set up systems to capture outputs and outcomes.
Begin drafting your data report and developing a communications plan.
With a clear preprogram strategy, you’re not scrambling to tell your story — you’re building it in real time.
During and After the Program
As your program runs, monitor data collection systems, encourage staff and stakeholder engagement, and refine your reporting strategy. Once your program wraps, analyze your data, reflect on the results and finalize your report.
Don’t forget the “feels.” Photos, quotes and real-world snapshots breathe life into your metrics.
Measure What Matters
Understanding your program’s impact means looking at the full picture on participants, staff, families and the broader community. It means capturing not only how many youth you served or hours you offered, but also the outcomes achieved and the stories lived.
When you measure what matters, you don’t just evaluate — you elevate. You position your program as an essential community asset, worthy of investment, celebration and growth.
