Who we are: Innovative Evaluators and Map Makers

At a recent Donor’s Forum workshop called Beyond the Narrative: Visually Mapping the and Measuring the Impact of Grants , program officer Janet Liao showcased several mapping tools that foundations can use to highlight your organization’s work , partnerships, scope and more.

Here are some interesting tools that any organization can try:

• Many Eyes : This is a data visualization tool from IBM. The site allows users to upload data and then produce graphic representations for other to view and comment on.

• Prezi: Prezi (a zooming presentation editor) lets you bring your ideas into one space and see how they relate, helping you and your audience connect. Zoom out to see the big picture, zoom in to see the details.

• GIS (graphic information systems) mapping: A geographical information system (GIS) allows the user to understand, question and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns and trends in the form of maps, reports and charts.

If your organization is deciding whether to develop an online mapping project, a good place to start might be a tour of other nonprofit mapping projects.

• A basic map of locations and directions: If your organization is the kind of place people turn to for services, maps easily direct them to your centers. For example, Chicago Public School's map of school locations.

• A map of services and resources: Create maps to help residents locate nearby social services or food banks. For example, Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap feature.

• Maps that aggregate and display statistics: Create charts and graphs to track key indicators and statistics around important issue areas, such as civic involvement and education. For example, MetroPulse's resource site.