Change is brewing: How nonprofits are turning data into action

What’s happening: The Houston region is home to about 15,000 nonprofit organizations that are collecting vast amounts of data. Our latest episode of Upstream shares insights from a thriving learning community, Coffee & Quality, which helps local organizations use that data to better improve operations and outcomes. Panelists from the United Way and the Kinder Institute for Urban Research shared real-world examples of how data can drive decision making and create positive change across organizations. Key takeaways: From an initial pilot in 2019, Coffee & Quality has grown to offer virtual sessions, a learning cohort, and fellows program. Most recently, the initiative expanded to the United Way of Galveston. Panelists noted that throughout the program’s evolution, key themes have surfaced: Data matters when it helps people improve their work. Nonprofit staff must feel empowered to use data. Feedback should be viewed as an opportunity for improvement—not a criticism. Quantitative and qualitative data are equally important. Relationships, trust, and collaboration play an important role in data and evaluation work. 00:00 Introduction & Why Data Matters 00:38 Welcome to Upstream: Coffee & Quality 02:24 Icebreaker: When Data Changed Our Minds 11:14 DACAMERA's Data Journey 13:15 Origins of Coffee & Quality 15:22 How the Program Has Evolved 20:32 Inside the Fellows Program 23:21 Building Data Capacity in Nonprofits 24:02 Measuring Impact 27:15 Bringing Coffee & Quality to Galveston 33:30 Continuous Quality Improvement in Action 34:33 The Popsicle Stick Story 36:25 Case Study: Angel Reach 39:40 Case Study: Wesley Community Center 44:56 Audience Q&A 50:43 Building Trust with Nonprofits 52:41 Key Takeaways for Funders 53:20 How to Get Involved 54:30 Closing Remarks About Houston Endowment Houston Endowment is a private foundation that partners with organizations across Houston to create a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We focus on three key areas: arts and culture, civic engagement, and public education. Learn More Visit https://www.houstonendowment.org to explore our work and see how we’re supporting impactful change in Houston’s communities. Stay Connected 📌 Follow us on LinkedIn:   / houston-endowment   📸 Follow us on Instagram:   / houstonendowment   👍 Like us on Facebook:   / houstonendowment   🐦 Follow us on X (formerly Twitter):   / houstonendowment   🌐 Find us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/houstonendow... Join the Conversation Leave a comment, like this video, and subscribe to our channel for stories that showcase the people and projects transforming Houston. Contact Us For media inquiries or questions, email us at [email protected].