📊 What Impact Data Should Your Nonprofit Track?
- cindy5831
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 11
(And Why It Matters for Annual Reports and Grants)
Why Impact Data Matters More Than Ever
Whether you're preparing a grant application, an annual report, or a donor appeal, one thing matters across the board: impact.
But “impact” isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the clearest way to show funders, donors, and your community that your work is making a difference. And that means tracking the right data, and knowing how to use it.
At Elephant Creative Co., we help nonprofits turn raw impact into powerful stories through clear, strategic reporting. Here's what we've learned about the types of data you should track—and how to make it work hard for both your annual report and your grant applications.
The Dual Purpose of Impact Data
The data you collect can—and should—serve multiple purposes:
Annual Reports: Showcasing progress, transparency, and community impact to your donors and stakeholders
Grant Applications: Proving your effectiveness and positioning your organization as a smart investment
When your data is strong, aligned, and easy to access, it saves your team time, strengthens your message, and boosts your credibility.
6 Types of Impact Data Every Nonprofit Should Track
Drawing from the annual reports we’ve designed, here are the core categories of impact data your organization should track:
1. Demographic Breakdown of the Population You Serve
This is foundational for both grants and storytelling.
Track:
Age groups, race/ethnicity, gender identities
Income level or eligibility data (if applicable)
Location or geographic reach
📌 Example from PBHA:
“84% of heads of household were women. 73% were white, 22% Black, 3% multiracial.”
2. Program Participation and Reach
This shows how many people you served—and where.
Track:
Number of people served by each program
Number of services delivered
Locations or service sites
Increase/decrease compared to prior year
📌 Example from DLC:
“8,478 individuals received life-saving, life-changing services. 341,677 total services provided—a 9% increase over FY22.”
3. Outcome-Based Results
This is what funders really want to see.
Track:
Graduation or completion rates
Job placements
Housing transitions
Increased access to healthcare, education, or food
Measurable skill development or behavioral change
📌 Example from Boys & Girls Club of Collier County:
“86% of members maintained or improved their scores in English Language Arts, Reading, or Math.” “100% of senior Club members graduated on time.”
4. Human-Centered Stories
Data is powerful. But stories give it soul.
Track:
Case studies or testimonials from participants
Before-and-after snapshots
Quotes from youth, families, or staff
📌 Example from Humane Society Naples:
“Jean was transferred to HSN with severe medical issues. After treatment, she found her forever home—and became a beloved community ambassador.”
5. Economic & Community Impact
Show how your work benefits not just individuals—but entire communities.
Track:
Economic contributions (jobs created, local spending)
Workforce outcomes
Reduction in homelessness, emergency services, or hospitalizations
📌 Example from PBHA:
“PBHA residents fill essential roles in factories, schools, and healthcare. 45% of families earn wages from jobs, and 29% of employed residents work in hospitality or food service.”
6. Partnerships and Systems Impact
Funders love to see collaboration.
Track:
Partner agencies and programs
Shared outcomes or co-hosted services
Community events and attendance
📌 Example from HSN:
“Operation Rescue partnered with 228 families and provided 10,955 boarding nights for pets impacted by housing instability, medical emergencies, and natural disasters.”
How to Present Your Data Effectively
Impact data should never feel like a spreadsheet. Here’s how to bring it to life:
✅ Use charts and infographics to highlight top metrics
✅ Pair statistics with real human stories ✅ Break data down by program or location ✅ Show year-over-year growth or patterns ✅ Keep language clear, consistent, and donor-friendly
Final Thoughts
The data you track tells the story of your impact—but only if you know what to collect, and how to share it.
When used strategically, impact data fuels your fundraising, strengthens your case for support, and inspires your audience to stay engaged.
Need a second set of eyes on your reporting strategy? We can help. Elephant Creative Co. helps nonprofits turn their data into design-forward, mission-aligned reports that connect with funders and communities alike.
Let’s tell your story—clearly, beautifully, and backed by data that makes an impact.
