2026 Nonprofit Data Capacity Summit - Halifax
About this Event
The Nonprofit Data Capacity Summit brings together nonprofit staff & leaders, intermediaries, funders and government for a day of engaging in meaningful cross-sector conversations.
The summit is designed to foster collaboration and offer strategies to help strengthen the sector’s capacity to create data informed impact for the communities they serve.
The day will feature insightful presentations from leaders in the field and funding partners, along with breakout sessions focused on building data capacity, sharing tools and resources, and exploring what a more connected, equitable future state of nonprofit data could look like.
Who should attend this event?
The summit is designed for anyone in the nonprofit sector, especially those involved in program management, evaluation, operations, strategy, or data use. Whether you're just beginning to explore data or looking to deepen your capacity, this event is for you.
What will the program be?
The day's agenda will be released by July 2026, with the attendees spending the morning engaging in ecosystem level conversation and content. In the afternoon, content will become more tailored to specific topics and audiences. Checkout the event website for the most up to date information: https://buildingdatacapacity.ca/nonprofit-data-capacity-summit-hfx.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:30 AM
Registration and Breakfast
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM
Keynote Panel
Info: In this inspiring opening panel, we will be hearing from local leaders in the Nova Scotia Community Impact space speak their perspectives on using data to support community initiatives and systems change. Topics of discussion may include research and storytelling, governance, and evaluation - we will ask questions about the role of data in promoting justice and building a supportive and vibrant society.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Interactive Activity
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:15 PM
Lunch
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Assessing your Organization's Digital Capabilities
Info: This session will explore the Futureproofing the Community Service Workforce project, which led to the creation of a toolkit to help organizations build data management skills and a national standard for assessing nonprofits’ digital capabilities. Join members of the project team and a participating nonprofit partner to learn about these two practical resources for assessing and increasing your digital capabilities.
🕑: 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM
Building a Data and Learning Culture
Host: Cara Eaton
Info: Creating a data-driven organization starts with fostering data and learning culture. This session explores how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, build staff and volunteer confidence, and create the conditions for data to become a meaningful part of everyday work. Through practical examples, we’ll discuss strategies for strengthening buy-in and sustaining change over time.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Community Data to Service Innovation
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Using Data to Advocate for Social Change
Info: How can data support our advocacy efforts and affect real change in society? This breakout panel will explore how organizations not only conduct research and collect data, but also use data to tell stories and provide evidence for political and social infrastructure changes that better our communities.
🕑: 03:30 PM - 03:45 PM
Break
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:30 PM
Closing Panel and Remarks
Host: Carrie Tanasichuck
Info: Gathering leaders from across the Atlantic Provinces to discuss how funders have sought to address the capacity gap for nonprofits. This session will provide candid conversation about the constraints of the sector, creative solutions, and the vision for the future.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Cocktail Reception
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 183.63 to CAD 244.34
