Building data capacity to help skills organizations serve Canadians more effectively
More than ever, data is critical for organizations to drive strategic decision-making and program improvement, but community service nonprofits often struggle to harness the power of their own data. Between limited funding opportunities dedicated to data capacity and the lack of trusted technical advice familiar with nonprofits, many nonprofit leaders and their organizations don’t know how to get started. This is a lost opportunity—for nonprofits, their funders and the skills ecosystem. Without better data capacity, it will remain a challenge to know how well community-based services, like skills training, are meeting the needs of Canadians.
Blueprint created the Practitioner Data Initiative (PDI) in response to the data challenges nonprofits face. The Practitioner Data Initiative (PDI) is a pan-Canadian project, funded by the Future Skills Centre (FSC) and Blueprint. Through PDI, community service nonprofits receive a $100K to $200K grant from Future Skills Centre to work with Blueprint for twelve to eighteen months. Blueprint marries this flexible grant with trusted and technology-neutral advice grounded in deep expertise with program data, technology solutions and nonprofit service delivery.
The PDI Model has three core elements:
Each Capacity Building Plan is tailored to the needs of the nonprofit partner. They identify specific actions related to key data capacity levers:
In Phase 1, kicking off in Spring 2021, Blueprint selected nine partners through an Expression of Interest to pilot PDI and help develop and test the model. Promising results informed Phase 2.
In Phase 2, kicking off in Fall 2022, an additional six partners were selected to further refine the PDI model. All PDI partners—outlined below—are committed to advancing their journey towards improved data capacity.
Blueprint is publishing a series of case studies to illuminate how the Practitioner Data Initiative is helping organizations to harness their own data, and in turn, grow their impact for the clients and communities they serve.
TEAM Work Cooperative provides client-centered case management services while facilitating inclusive employment and workplace opportunities for all people.
Futureworx offers an expansive range of employment, educational, and training programs for their community and partners.
WoodGreen Community Services (WCS) is one of the largest social service agencies in Toronto, providing Canadians and newcomers with housing, employment, training and mental health supports.
The Neighbourhood Group of Community Services (TNG) is a multi-service charity serving low-income people across multiple locations in Toronto. Their services include supporting youth, seniors, newcomers, providing childcare services, conflict resolution training, and homelessness services.
Douglas College is a public, nonprofit college and home to the Training Group, which offers employment, training, and language programs for employers.
Immigrant Employment Council of B.C. (IEC-BC) is a government funded body dedicated to helping newcomers better understand how to access the labour market.
Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS) provides settlement and integration support services to vulnerable newcomers.
Kaleidoscope Social Impact, formerly known as Saint John Community Loan Fund, specializes in skills development, financial literacy training, and creating innovative and affordable spaces to rejuvenate neighbourhoods.
Saint John Learning Exchange (Learning Exchange) provides education programs, work skills development, employment assistance, and mental health supports.
Calgary Immigration Women’s Association serves the needs of immigrant and refugee women, girls and their families, through more than 50 programs covering settlement needs, language and employment training, family matters and much more.
Rise Calgary is working to end poverty by supporting low-income individuals and families with access to basic needs supports, advocacy, financial empowerment opportunities, parenting, employment, and life skills programming.
Calgary Economic Development is funded by the City of Calgary to works with business, government, and community partners to position the city as the location of choice for the purpose of attracting business investment, fostering trade, and growing Calgary’s workforce.
Centre for Newcomers supports the integration of newcomers and the communities that welcome them. through services and programs in multiple areas, including language, settlement, employment, mentorship and youth.
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers helps newcomers find work, learn English, get settled, and join a community.
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Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology provides certificate, post-graduate, and diploma-level technical training for career-oriented post-secondary and secondary students.
The Practitioner Data Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.
