Impact, Data and Evaluation Academy

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Why IDEA?

You may have questions about how your organization can best use the data it captures — or maybe you want to gain greater insight on how to use that data to improve planning and operations. Questions like:

  • How do we know we are collecting the right data?
  • What does the data say about our program’s impact?
  • Are we even asking the right questions?

Those, and anything else you might be asking yourself, are valid. We can help.

Nonprofits recognize their need to manage, understand, and use data. However, lack of time and know-how are barriers to answering questions like those above and hiring a third-party consultant is often out of reach. The Impact, Data and Evaluation Academy (IDEA) is designed to bridge the gap between needing, knowing, and doing. 

Our Purpose

To provide low-cost, community-centered data and evaluation training that is designed with and for Charlotte-area nonprofits.

Our Work

Whether you are looking to connect, learn, or act the work of improving your organization’s data and evaluation infrastructure, we have pathways designed to meet your needs. Expand the sections below to see what comes with each tier of service.

CONNECT (Minimal time commitment – Stay informed)

This option is ideal for those who simply want to keep in touch. Sign up for our:

  • Quarterly Newsletter – Each edition of our quarterly newsletter includes information about upcoming trainings and a free data resource 
  • Evaluation Office Hours – Book a free 30-minute evaluation consultation with an Institute evaluator for guidance on your data challenges.
LEARN (Moderate time commitment – Gain essential skills)

This one is all about teaching effective strategies to do your best work.

  • Webinars – Attend 60-90-minute sessions on practical data and evaluation topics shaped by by the nonprofit community.
  • Evaluation Explorations – A collaborative and interactive three-day course on the foundations of data collection, evaluation, and storytelling. This is our flagship training – perfect for organizations looking to build a strong foundation!
  • Electives – Attend in-depth, in-person sessions diving deeper into topics like the data analysis, impact measurement, and using data to tell compelling stories.
ACT (Higher time commitment – Get expert hands-on support)

This option is for those who need mire in-depth support. Join or participate in our:

  • Data Stewards Program – This nine to 12-month program provides direct consultation services where participants partner with trained student data specialists from Johnson C. Smith University and UNC Charlotte to enhance your nonprofit’s data collection and management systems.
  • Data & Research Services – Stand-alone consultation services designed for staff education and development. Services can include organizational training sessions on logic models, survey design, or other types of tailored training services upon request.  

How We Do It

Local nonprofits drive the program development and training topics. Content experts, including university faculty and consultants, deliver the trainings and provide ongoing technical assistance. The Charlotte Urban Institute oversees the administration of IDEA services and courses.

Get Started

Welcome to your new learning community!

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. To learn more about upcoming training events or to talk data and evaluation needs, please email Bridget Anderson at bridget.anderson@charlotte.edu.