Communicating Impact: Data Storytelling and Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Communicating impact is a challenge many non-profits face. In this session, participants will learn effective strategies for presenting evaluation data in clear and compelling ways to diverse audiences while engaging multiple interest holders. By tailoring messages to specific audiences—leaders, funders, community members, and policymakers—organizations can ensure that impact stories are engaging, relevant, and actionable. Key strategies include leveraging success metrics, funding, and community engagement insights to demonstrate impact. Rather than simply presenting numbers, participants will learn to craft compelling data-driven narratives. Additionally, participants will learn how to integrate insights from program planners, data analysts, communications experts, fundraising professionals, and policy advocates to facilitate credible and persuasive data storytelling. This approach strengthens engagement, builds trust, and ensures that data stories both inform and inspire action across diverse audiences. The session will also showcase real-world examples of successful communication efforts around suicide prevention education programs in non-profit and community settings.

Corbin Standley; Brett Wean; Mackenzie Pelaez; Ryan Price; Kelsey Aaron