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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