Overview of Doing a Data Needs Assessment [Nov. 9, 2012, 11:32 a.m.]
There are a lot of things to consider when you're first thinking about doing a data needs assessment with a nonprofit. Think of this as the information gathering stage, before you even get started identifying sources for data, tools for data analysis or why you need data in the first place.
• Follow the data (but do not get lost in it!)
• Be critical about both questions and answers
Think of it like a reference interview
• Be aware of institutional capacity
• First figure out what they have; then what they would like to have
• Think about the big picture and the organization's mission