Using Data to Enhance Nonprofit Programs, Advocacy, and Storytelling

About this seminar

*This is an in-person seminar*

In today's mission-driven landscape, data is a powerful tool for nonprofits—not just for reporting, but for transforming strategy, amplifying advocacy, and connecting authentically with stakeholders.

This session will introduce participants to Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC) as a tool for understanding communities across Los Angeles through the lens of data. It will provide a broad introduction to data literacy, covering how organizations can use data to identify community needs, support fundraising efforts, and inform decision-making. Participants will engage in interactive exercises to develop a community needs statement and explore tools for gathering and analyzing data to tell compelling stories about their communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understand how data can support nonprofit programs, fundraising, and advocacy.
2. Discover tools and strategies for gathering and analyzing data.
3. Develop a community needs statement using data.
4. Gain insights on how to tell compelling community stories with data.

Who Should Attend:

This session is designed for anyone who has an interest in using data to create change in their local community. It will be especially helpful for:

• Nonprofit Leaders – Seeking to strengthen data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Fundraisers & Development Staff – Using community data to enhance grant proposals and donor communications.
• Program Managers – Applying data to tailor services, track outcomes, and respond to community needs.
• Advocates & Community Organizers – Leveraging data to support policy change, grassroots efforts, and community mobilization.

Registration Fee:

• Early Bird : $99 (ends on 04/10)
• General Admission: $125
• Read CNM's Refund Policy

Scholarships:

If you are a CNM Member or Scholarship Recipient, please send an email to [email protected] to receive your discount code.

Instructors

Caroline Bhalia, Executive Director - Neighborhood Data for Social Change Project (NDSC),

A Project of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate

Caroline has over 20 years of experience in leading and managing research and data projects that address urban challenges and promote equity and quality of life for low-income communities. Caroline is skilled at building strong and lasting partnerships with community-based organizations, leveraging university resources and community expertise to maximize impact and collaboration. She has created a culture of inclusion, diversity, and excellence at each place she has worked - training students, diversifying staff, and co-creating data-driven solutions with stakeholders.

Elly Schoen, Systems & Data Manager - Neighborhood Data for Social Change (NDSC)

A Project of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate

Elly has over 8 years of experience working alongside community-based partners to help them use data to create equitable and thriving communities across LA County. They have also co-created a student training program at USC’s policy school, where over 100 students have learned foundational data and research skills.

Host or Publisher Center for Nonprofit Management