Grant Writing with Impact: Using Data to Strengthen Your Case (2026)
Description
Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in addressing community needs, yet many face challenges in clearly articulating those needs and demonstrating their impact in grant applications. While organizations often collect valuable program data and have access to publicly available data sources, they may lack the tools, confidence, or capacity to effectively translate that information into compelling, data-informed narratives. As a result, strong programs can be overlooked for funding—not due to lack of impact, but due to an inability to clearly communicate needs and outcomes.
This workshop is designed to address that gap by equipping nonprofit leaders with practical, accessible strategies to confidently use data in their grant writing. Participants will leave with guidance on how to identify, gather, and apply both publicly available data and their program data to strengthen grant proposals.
In addition, participants will be introduced to the Community Foundation of Boone County’s new community dashboard platform, which can support efficient access to relevant, localized data.
By the end of the session, participants will learn to:
Develop the ability to build clear, compelling grant narratives
Increase confidence in identifying and using publicly available data sources
Gain practical skills in using tools such as the new community dashboard to access community data
Strengthen their ability to communicate program impact using their own data
By building participants’ confidence and capacity to use data effectively, this workshop will help organizations develop stronger, data-informed proposals that more accurately reflect both the urgency of community needs and the impact of their work.
Following the session, attendees will be asked to complete a brief survey.
Please Note: This training was previously titled Using Data in Grant Writing. While the title and description have been updated, the content remains the same and continues to provide the same valuable information and learning experience.
A Credly Badge Earning Offering
Your growth deserves to be seen. Participants who complete this training can earn a Grow digital badge through Credly, making it easy to showcase your skills, celebrate your progress, and share your achievements with others. Each badge represents the knowledge you’ve gained and provides a verified, shareable way to demonstrate your capabilities to employers, funders, and your network. Learn more about earning and using your badge here.
Presenter
Amanda Lopez, President at Transform Consulting Group
Data Informed. Results-Oriented. Mission Driven. Amanda Lopez is a passionate entrepreneur, speaker, and consultant in the nonprofit, government, and education sectors. For over twenty years, organizations have hired Amanda for transformational projects that include program expansion strategies, organizational alignment, strategic planning, program feasibility studies, fundraising strategies, and bringing together community leaders and individuals to drive meaningful and intentional change and outcomes for all. Amanda Lopez took the leap in 2008 to move from a top practitioner in her space to launch Transform Consulting Group (TCG). Today, TCG is one of the most sought-after national consultancies for organizations looking to transform their people, communities, and the lives of those they serve. As President and Founder of TCG, Amanda speaks nationally about putting the power of data to work to drive change and accelerate impact. Guided by the best practices and standards TCG has developed, Amanda has worked with organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America, American Academy of Pediatrics, YMCA of the USA, the National Head Start Association, and the Lilly Endowment to continue to experience measurable outcomes; ultimately driving funding, mission awareness and outreach, and sustainability to ensure their critical work continues to advance and drive transformational impact. Previously, Ms. Lopez worked for the Association of Community Human Service Agencies in Los Angeles, California, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Budget, the Children’s Bureau, and the Head Start Bureau in Washington, DC. She holds a Masters of Social Work with a focus on policy and evaluation from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Society from Purdue University. Amanda was the first recipient of the Purdue University Emerging Voice Alumni Award for outstanding young professionals under 40 years old in 2007. Amanda now resides with her family in Wabash, Indiana – her hometown. As a firm believer that change starts within your community, she passionately volunteers and serves on multiple boards and committees in her community.
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