From Data to Direction: How Evaluation and Reflective Practice Strengthen Planning
Upcoming Training Dates
Select a date and time that works for you. All sessions are held live and include time for questions.
Workshop Description
How can you turn evaluation findings into practical decisions that improve programs, guide resource allocation, and strengthen planning? Collecting data is only one part of the process. Organizations need simple ways to reflect on findings, identify patterns, and use what they learn to determine next steps.
In this two-part workshop series, participants will learn how to move from understanding evaluation findings to using them in organizational decision-making. The first session focuses on interpreting data and building a regular reflection practice. Participants will practice identifying trends, questioning assumptions, and determining when additional information is needed before making decisions. We will explore frameworks such as data huddles, data parties, and after-action reviews.
The second session focuses on turning findings into decisions and action. Participants will explore practical tools for bringing data into staff meetings, board discussions, and planning processes, including one-page data briefs, board data highlights, and a “So-What Wall” that connects findings to decisions and follow-through.
Across both sessions, participants will identify practices and tools that fit their organization and develop a 30-day action plan with clear next steps, ownership, and accountability. They will leave with practical approaches for using evaluation to improve programs, make informed decisions, and strengthen organizational planning.
Who Should Attend
Nonprofit professionals interested in using evaluation findings and reflective practices to improve programs, guide resource allocation, and strengthen organizational planning.
What the Training Will Cover
Day 1
Apply a four-question reflection routine to program data to identify surprises, needed adjustments, emerging trends, and missing perspectives.
Analyze a sample data summary to distinguish observations from interpretations and identify where additional information is needed.
Evaluate an evaluation finding for recency, reliability, and relevance to determine whether it is ready to inform planning.
Design a reflection routine using a data huddle, data party, or after-action review that specifies participants, data sources, frequency, and opportunities to include participant voices.
Day 2
Select an appropriate data practice such as a board data highlight, one-page data brief, or So-What Wall to support a specific organizational decision and audience.
Create a two- to three-minute board data highlight that communicates one key finding, includes one visual, and poses one discussion question.
Develop at least two statements connecting evaluation findings to organizational decisions or actions using the format “We found ___, so we did ___.”
Develop a 30-day implementation plan for one data practice that identifies the intended decision, owner, first step, likely barrier, workaround, and accountability partner.
Registration Type & Fee
Non Members: $200
Additional Information
All workshops are live. Registrants receive slides & recordings. It is expected participants will be able to be on camera and able to unmute for some portions of the training to participate in discussions. Full recordings are not provided. If you miss the workshop, you can watch a recording from a previous session and reach out to the instructor with any questions, or reach out to program@nonprofitlearninglab.org.
Looking to register 3+ people? Email us at program@nonprofitlearninglab.org to receive $5 off per registration!
Please Note:
We do not offer any other discounts for this training other than the member rate.
About the Trainer
Rekha Shukla is Founding Partner of Marigold Evaluation, LLC, a boutique consultancy specializing in Strategic Evaluation for foundations, federal grantees, and mission-driven nonprofits. With more than 25 years of experience spanning program evaluation, applied research, and strategic planning, she has worked with clients including the Greater Texas Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, NIH, and the State Department. Rekha holds an M.I.A. from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her career has included international human rights work in Southeast Asia, field research in India, and housing policy work in New York City. She brings a practitioner's understanding of what it takes to design programs, measure results, and use evidence to drive real decisions.
CFRE & CAE Credits
WE OFFER CFRE & CAE CREDITS | 1 hour of training = 1 credit hour
Certificate of attendance available upon request
Resources Related to: From Data to Direction: How Evaluation and Reflective Practice Strengthen Planning
Past Participating Organizations List