Teaching Paper: Comprehensive Data Glossary for Non-Profits – Practical Concepts for Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Teaching Paper: Comprehensive Data Glossary for Non-Profits – Practical Concepts for Evidence-Based Decision-Making

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dt-anl-tp-04

Download Full Text PDF

This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global

Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →

About the Article

Non-profit organizations increasingly rely on data to inform decisions, measure outcomes, and optimize resources. A foundational understanding of key data concepts is critical to achieving these objectives. This Teaching Paper presents a glossary of 55 essential terms spanning data management, statistical analysis, and technological applications. Each entry provides both a clear definition and practical guidance for non-profit use, covering domains such as survey analysis, financial tracking, program evaluation, and donor engagement. Ethical principles—including data privacy, anonymization, and informed consent—are emphasized throughout. A case study illustrates how applying glossary concepts improved program outcomes, resource allocation, and reporting for a community development non-profit. Reflection questions and practical tips help staff and managers integrate the glossary into daily operations. By mastering these concepts, organizations can enhance analytical capacity, build a data-driven culture, and strengthen transparency, accountability, and impact.

Key Topics

  • Essential data terms for non-profit practice
  • Descriptive statistics and visualization methods
  • Ethical data practices and compliance
  • Survey, financial, and program evaluation concepts
  • Technological tools: AI, IoT, blockchain
  • Practical applications through case study and reflection

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Comprehensive Data Glossary for Non-Profits – Practical Concepts for Evidence-Based Decision-Making. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dt-anl-tp-04

References

Bryson, J. M. (2018). Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
Drucker, P. F. (1990). Managing the non-profit organization. HarperCollins.
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Data Analysis: Turning Information into Insight. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/data-analysis-insight-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Introduction to Data Analysis for Non-Profits. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/introduction-data-analysis-nonprofits-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Quantitative Research Methods. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/quantitative-research-methods-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Tools for Strategic Evaluation. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/tools-evaluation-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Basic Data Analysis Techniques for Non-Profit Organizations: Descriptive, Exploratory, and Visualization Methods. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dt-anl-06
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Data-Driven Decision-Making in Non-Profit Organizations: Strategies for Enhancing Impact. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-dt-anl-01
Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/teaching-paper-comprehensive-data-glossary-for-non-profits--practical-concepts-for-evidence-based-decision-making
225
September 28, 2025