Storytelling with Data: Turning Metrics into Meaningful Messages

Tuesday July 21st 2026

Numbers alone don’t inspire action—but the stories they reveal can. In this session, learn how to transform advancement metrics into compelling narratives that donors, board members, and internal stakeholders can connect with on both a rational and emotional level. By focusing on outcomes instead of just outputs, you’ll communicate your impact in a way that builds trust and fuels generosity.

We’ll explore how to:

• Translate advancement metrics into meaningful narratives that resonate across audiences and move beyond the “what” to the “why it matters.”
• Select the right visual formats—from infographics and dashboards to case studies—to make data clear, accessible, and engaging for stewardship, solicitation, and reporting.
• Strengthen donor trust and engagement by using data-informed storytelling to show transparency, demonstrate impact, and convey institutional momentum.