In today’s highly competitive funding landscape, compelling narratives alone are no longer enough—funders increasingly expect clear, data-backed evidence of impact. Strong data not only builds credibility, but helps your organization stand out, demonstrate outcomes, and make a more persuasive case for investment. In this interactive workshop, participants will come away with a framework and an expanded toolbox that they can use to effectively communicate the value of their work to donors, grant makers, and other stakeholders.

Key takeaways will include:

—What type of data is likely to resonate with different stakeholders

—Ways to transform existing data into compelling stories based on stakeholder interests/ needs 

—Strategies to supplement existing data when needed

Presenters: Laura Keene & Becca Carsel

Laura Keene partners with Carsel Consulting Group to provide evaluation support to nonprofits, foundations, and other community-based organizations. She believes that with some good planning and a dash of creativity, data can deepen impact, strengthen relationships, shift power, and even be fun. Laura has over twenty years of experience in this field across a variety of areas including public health, healthcare, social services, and education in local, national, and international settings. She has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. Laura is the owner of Keene Insights, an evaluation and strategy firm.

Becca Carsel is the founder of Carsel Consulting Group, a Los Osos-based firm. She helps nonprofits, government agencies, and foundations to define strategies, evaluate progress, and find insights through data analysis, facilitated planning processes, and reflective learning opportunities. You may see Becca wearing different hats throughout the Central Coast; she especially enjoys projects where she partners with Laura Keene to show how planning and data are important and engaging. Becca has a Master of Educational Leadership from Minnesota State University.