How to find affordable data training for charities

Data helps charities identify a future direction for their mission, improving current services and developing new ones that will drive further impact for their communities. Yet the ability to effectively use data remains a barrier for many charities, with a third (34%) of charities saying they are poor at or not using data to inform decision making. 

Poor data can affect every aspect of a charity’s operations, including (and, in many cases, especially) fundraising. Research has shown that almost half (47%) of charity revenue leakage can be traced back to problems with data, according to a report from apprenticeship provider Corndel.  

Failing to make the most of data is a missed opportunity for charities – one that the sector wishes to address. Around half of charities (48%) told the 2024 Charity Digital Skills report that using data to improve services and operations is a priority. The same proportion say they would welcome external support to use data to improve storytelling, with 45% saying the same about analysing and making sense of their data.  

Fortunately, there is help out there. Corndel was founded with the aim of bridging the skills gap in leadership, data, and technology and is the largest apprenticeship provider for charities.  

To help charities make the most of their data, Corndel are offering high-quality data analytics programmes to develop and upskill leaders, digital teams, and fundraising professionals funded through the Government Apprenticeship Levy or Corndel’s Levy gifting initiative. The data programs are designed to equip charities with the data skills needed to drive impact. Learners benefit from a combination of technical training, coaching, and real-world application to develop both data expertise and essential communication skills. These programmes are delivered in partnership with Corndel and Imperial College Business School. 

Find out more 

A recent report by Corndel, Leveraging data training for greater impact in the Third Sector, highlights how valuable it is for charity professionals to be able to understand their own data, rather than outsourcing it to third-party organisations. 

“You might think that outsourcing data analysis can help,” explains the report. “But you’ll quickly lose touchpoints and relationships with your supporters. Touchpoints help you build long-term relationships with your donors and outsourcing will undoubtedly weaken the ties. The result? You’ll lose your loyal donors.”  

How to find the right data training 

The short answer to getting value from your charity data is training. According to Corndel’s report, there are many benefits to charities undertaking data training, including more effective budgeting, the ability to plan long-term, and a more empowered workforce who are confident in their digital skills.  

A big barrier to finding the right training is cost. The 2024 Charity Digital Skills report revealed that 43% of charities needed funding in order to train staff and volunteers on digital and data to progress with digital. But with the Government’s Apprenticeship Levy and Corndel’s Levy gifting initative, charities may be able to find the answer.  

“The Apprenticeship Levy is a tax, paid by employers with a pay bill of £3 million or more, which sets aside specific funding for workplace training,” explains Corndel. Organisations who pay the Apprenticeship Levy can access money set aside for training employees which can be found in their gov.uk digital account. You can find out more about how the Levy works in Corndel’s report.  

More than 313,000 people have been able to improve their skills using the Levy so far, but it remains an underutilised resource, including in the charity sector. Yet the training it funds helps improve services, improve staff morale, and provide organisations with the skills they need to prosper in an increasingly digital world. Research from Salesforce found that digitally mature organisations were four times more likely to achieve their mission goals, making upskilling a lifeline not only for charities themselves, but the communities they support too.  

Unlocking data analytics 

One charity that has already seen the success of data training is Rennie Grove Peace Hospice. Kevin Traynor, data analyst at Rennie Grove Peace Hospice, participated in Corndel’s Data Analytics Level 4 programme and bolstered the expertise and confidence to become the organisation’s go-to data expert. 

“His skills are now integral to driving organisational change through data-driven strategies and are pivotal in empowering teams to identify issues and implement solutions effectively, thereby enhancing the hospice’s overall capability,” explains Corndel. 

This is just one story demonstrating the power of data analytics for charities. By unlocking the right insights and continuously learning about their organisation and its audiences, charity professionals can discover better ways to meet their needs. Perhaps finding areas of friction in the donor journey and removing them to boost fundraising levels. Or finding more efficient ways to deliver more services, redirecting time and resources to where they are most needed. Whatever a charity’s goal, data is the key to achieving it. Data gives you the directions.  

To find out more about how to use data, and learn essential data skills, check out the full report, Leveraging data training for greater impact in the Third Sector