Our Services
We provide data capacity building and technical assistance to nonprofits, government agencies, and community-based organizations in Washington State, Colorado and beyond.
Alternative Data Projects
We love the opportunity to think beyond traditional ways of knowing—let’s talk about how we can tell your story with PhotoVoice or other creative data collection methods.
Custom Assessment Calculators
Using your program’s calendar of screenings and assessments, we create a custom, semiautomated Excel-based tool that can calculate future due dates. This reduces the amount your staff must remember, and can improve your data quality.
Custom Excel Tools
We build custom Excel-based tools, based on the needs of the program, and the database(s) used by the program. Tools can be visual dashboards, reports, supervisory tools, or anything else we can imagine together. We do not just drop off tools–we make sure staff know how to use it and update it as needed so the tool can be sustainable.
Data Quality Tools
We can help you take your data quality to the next level with custom Excel-based tools that help you quickly hone in on missing and inaccurate data. We supplement this with Data Quality Training, as needed, and refining data processes to improve quality.
Data Quality Training
Data quality depends on a data culture with engaged staff, and solid data processes. We support you in assessing your data quality issues and work with your staff to get everyone invested in collecting consistent, high quality data.
Data Reviews
We work with you to step back and really ask–what do you really want and need to know about our clients/program, given your various stakeholders (internal and external), your goals, and your mission and vision?
Data Tracking: Database Design
We can create custom relational databases for your program or organization, based on your needs and the types of data you want to collect. This can complement current data systems, or serve as a standalone system. This includes training for staff to be able to complete data entry, and maintain the database for maximum sustainability.
Data Tracking: Database Implementation
We support you through the full implementation process of a new data tracking system, to keep your data needs in mind, train your staff, customize training materials for your specific needs and database, and maintain the integrity of your data. This process can include data migration from other data tracking systems, or migrating data from Excel spreadsheets or paper forms.
Data Tracking: Database Selection
We have experience with many of the leading Client Management Systems, and are happy to share our knowledge and experiences with you. We will set up demonstrations, translate needs between you and the vendors, and help you find the system that best fits your current and future needs.
Data Visualization Tools
We can help you amplify your story with visual representations of your data. We support you in choosing how best to communicate your stories with visuals, from charts, graphs and tables to maps, infographics, word clouds and more. This includes designing dashboards to help you see and make meaning from the impacts of your program.
Excel Training
From one-on-one sessions to customized workshops with small or large groups, we can create and conduct Excel trainings for you and/or your staff that is catered to the work you actually do (not like those business-focused tutorials online).
Form Reviews
We methodically look at your data needs and wishes in comparison to the forms and various data collection tools you use to collect data. We provide recommendations for adding, deleting or adjusting forms to streamline data collection processes. We also know that forms are a way of communicating your expertise and values to your clients, which we take very seriously. We can help with designing and refreshing your forms!
Process Documentation
Along with supporting you to examine and improve your processes, we work with you to document data-related processes and procedures to get your staff on the same page, set yourself up to improve processes, and to serve as guides and training materials.
Process Improvement
Borrowing from the best practices of Lean Management, we support you in examining your data-related processes, finding opportunities to improve workflows, and creating a culture where staff are engaged in making processes really work for them. This can have a huge impact on workload, data quality, and staff engagement.
Program Evaluation
We have experience and training in many ways of evaluating the impacts of programs, including developmental approaches. We do not just evaluate and run–we work with you to weave evaluation into your practices, and to do something with your evaluation results, like advocating for policy change or applying for additional funding.
Qualitative Data Analysis
We support you in learning how to analyze qualitative data (the stories beyond the numbers). This includes the data you collect (e.g. case notes or success stories), and the data artifacts that impact your work, like transcripts, images, policies and articles.
Qualitative Data Collection
We support you in setting up processes and systems to methodically collect data beyond the numbers–stories, case notes, observations and other qualitative aspects of the work you do.
Research Projects
We are trained as social scientists, and can conduct–or support you in conducting–a wide variety of culturally-responsive research projects. This includes survey design and analysis, focus groups, oral histories, interviews and more. We work with you, and train you in collection and analysis methods, from design to dissemination of results.
Staff Training + Support
We can provide and/or recommend staff training and supports based on individual staff person’s goals, and/or the needs of the program and organization. This may include training, networking or other customized supports.
Survey Supports
We can support you as you create or revise your survey(s) to ensure you are collecting the information you really want, you are being responsive to your audience, and you are able to use the data to be responsive and achieve your goals.