Demonstrate your organizational impact using Data Story Reports

Above: Images of completed Data Story Reports that have been done for fiscally sponsored projects and partners. 

We know that data is raw information, and storytelling can synthesize data into a narrative that conveys the importance of the information.

Utilizing data in storytelling is powerful, and at New Sun Rising, we believe that data storytelling is mightier than the sword.

Research shows that social sector leaders who prioritize data have stronger operations and make an even greater impact. Unfortunately, we know that most small community-based organizations lack the experience or resources to do so. To assist organizations in showcasing their data, New Sun Rising provides technical support to collect and analyze information using the Vibrancy Portal platform to create a Data Story Report (DSR).

Part of New Sun Rising’s Power in Numbers initiative, a DSR demonstrates the impact of an organization in a comprehensive, shareable, and compelling format. 

Of those organizations that have completed a DSR, 78% increased their funding by at least $250,000 within six months and remained diligent in their fund seeking efforts. 

So, what do you need for your own DSR and what’s the process?

Step 1: Start with the idea.

What story do you want to tell and who are you trying to communicate with? Gather any materials and statistics you have to show your impact in the community/communities you serve: mission and vision statement, organizational goals, logo, color pallet, photos, the neighborhoods or regions you serve, testimonials, stakeholder feedback, services provided, number of people served, calls to action, etc.

Step 2: Begin drafting your story.

Fill out the data story wizard to get all of your information in one place and schedule a meeting with New Sun Rising to make sure we have everything we need to create an outline of your data story report.

Step 3: Are we missing anything?

Once we have a solid outline, we’ll reach out to you to fill in any copy or data gaps that will help weave your story together. One way to do this may be through a Community Voice Survey, which gets beyond the numbers and re-centers people in the process of civic democracy. After we’ve identified and collected the missing contextual and institutional data, you revise, review, and approve the final outline.

Step 4: Collaborate!

Using the finalized outline, we’ll begin to input your data, design, and visual assets into the layout of your report to tell the story of your community impact. As we’re drafting the final product, we’ll share each version with you for review and make any changes you see fit.

We understand there might be gaps in your data and we’re here to help identify and bridge the divide. Depending on your organization’s qualitative and quantitative data, we may determine that a Byte-Sized DSR is the right report for you. Smaller than a regular DSR, this report provides a snapshot of your organization’s impact.

“I don’t have to tell you how amazing New Sun Rising has been in this process. Thank you for being such an amazing resource for the city of Pittsburgh and for all of us who seek to make it better,” said Wayne Younger, Executive Director of Open Hand Ministries and coordinator of the Pittsburgh Coalition for Black Wealth project.

If you think a DSR would benefit your organization, first set up an account in NSR’s Vibrancy Portal. Once your account is set up, you’ll have the ability to complete the Organizational Assessment Tool (OAT) to get a 360-degree view of your organization’s current capacity through the OAT Score Card – a summary report identifying your strengths and challenges. This analysis serves as the jumping-off point to receive technical assistance from NSR for your DSR as well as planning with your internal team.

Do you have questions or need help troubleshooting? Email info@newsunrising.org