Making Data Work for the People Who Make Volunteerism Work

If you lead volunteers, you already work with data. Even though it might not feel that way.

You track participation, notice patterns in engagement, respond to shifting community needs, and make decisions every day about where to focus your limited time and energy. Much of this insight lives in your experience and intuition. But increasingly, volunteer leaders are being asked to pair that lived knowledge with data. And often without clear guidance, training, or support.

That’s where the “Certificate of Completion in Data-Driven Engagement” comes in.

Launched through the Data-Driven Engagement initiative, a collaboration between Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada, Association of Fundraising Professionals of Canada, Imagine Canada, and Volunteer Canada – this new certificate is designed specifically for people working in volunteering, giving, and community participation who want to feel more confident using Canadian data in practical, meaningful ways.

This is not about turning volunteer leaders into data analysts. It’s about making data more usable, more human, and more connected to the real decisions you are already making.

A Learning Pathway Built for the Sector

The certificate offers a structured, 10-session learning pathway that brings together trusted national data expertise and real-world nonprofit application. Participants engage in a series of webinars led by Statistics Canada, applied case studies rooted in community contexts, and a facilitated summary session led by the project team.

Together, these sessions help participants:

• Understand key Canadian datasets relevant to volunteering and community engagement
• Interpret data responsibly and confidently
• Apply insights to everyday nonprofit decisions, from program design to funding conversations

The focus is always on relevance. How does this data help you advocate for your program? Strengthen volunteer engagement? Plan for the future? Tell a clearer story about impact?

Why This Matters for Volunteer Leaders

Volunteer engagement doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s shaped by demographics, social trends, economic pressures, and changing patterns of participation. Having access to good data – and knowing how to use it – can help volunteer leaders move from reactive decision-making to informed, strategic action.

At its core, this certificate is about empowerment. It’s about helping volunteer leaders feel more confident when data shows up in board discussions, funding proposals, strategic plans, or sector conversations. It’s about bridging the gap between national data and local realities.

Flexible by Design

Participation in the certificate program is optional, and individuals may attend sessions independently. This flexibility recognizes the realities of busy professional lives and varying learning goals.

For those looking for a more intentional learning experience, the certificate provides a clear pathway and formal recognition of sustained engagement and professional development. It’s an opportunity to step back, connect the dots across sessions, and build confidence over time.

An Invitation to Learn Data-Driven Volunteer Engagement, Not Perform

This certificate is an invitation – not a test. It welcomes curiosity and a willingness to explore. If you are new to using data or looking to deepen your understanding, the pathway is designed to meet you where you are.

For volunteer leaders who care deeply about people, community, and impact, learning to use data well is another way to strengthen the work you already do so thoughtfully.

To learn more about the certificate requirements, eligible sessions, and how to get started, visit: https://givingandvolunteering.ca/certificate-of-completion-in-data-driven-engagement/

Volunteer Management Professionals of Canada (VMPC) brings together people who believe strong volunteer leadership strengthens communities. Stay connected with VMPC to learn, contribute, lead, and be part of a growing national movement advancing the profession.

We are excited about this certificate and the opportunity it creates to help volunteer leaders feel more confident and empowered when using data in their everyday work.