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Data Visualization Learning Series

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The Data Visualization Learning Series presented in partnership with Depict Data Studio, is designed to strengthen your data visualization, analysis, and storytelling skills and transform you into a data rockstar.

Unlock the full power of your grantmaking data in this dynamic, three-part virtual training series designed specifically for the PEAK Grantmaking community. First, you’ll master next-level data storytelling practices by learning how to transform raw numbers into compelling narratives that inform strategy, advance equity, and engage diverse audiences. Next, dive into advanced Excel lookups—the essential skill for seamlessly merging datasets without tedious copying and pasting that will save you hours and set the stage for insightful visualizations. Finally, learn how to enhance your visuals using Excel graphing techniques that go far beyond the basics. From accessible beginner charts to sophisticated maps and sunburst diagrams, you’ll gain hands-on experience in creating engaging, branded, and actionable visuals. In each session, you’ll practice with real-world grantmaking examples and leave with practical skills that immediately boost your confidence and the impact you can achieve with data.

Curriculum

Data Storytelling for Grantmakers: From Numbers to Narrative

Thursday, August 28, 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Grants professionals understand that data is more than just metrics. It’s a narrative that is waiting to be shared. Effective data storytelling is vital for shaping grantmaking strategy, promoting equity, and showcasing impact. During this session, you will learn a practical process for customizing visualizations for your target audiences. In addition, you will learn how to choose the right chart type for a dataset, select appropriate software programs, declutter visuals, and ensure accessibility through proper use of colors and fonts.

By attending this workshop, participants will develop the following competencies:

  • Know when to use traditional graphs and storytelling graphs.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of presenting data using various chart types.
  • Declutter visuals to make sure the viewers’ attention is focused on the key patterns.
  • Write graph text and select graph colors that are on-brand, accessible, and intuitive.

REGISTER

The Lookup Lab: Advanced Excel Skills for Grantmakers

Wednesday, September 10, 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

Grants professionals collect and manage vast amounts of data and are often tasked with organizing information from multiple sources into coherent reports for boards and senior leaders. In this hands-on lookup training, we’re picking up where we left off at PEAK2025 with participants learning how to locate and combine datasets. We’ll cover the purpose and types of data merging, how to build unique lists, and how to use relative, absolute, and mixed cell references. Then, we’ll dive into lookup techniques within tables and across sheets. With tons of guided practice and grantmaking-specific examples, attendees will walk away with the critical, time-saving skills to confidently integrate complex datasets.

By attending this workshop, participants will develop the following competencies:

  • Understand the purpose and types of data merging and when to use each lookup function—VLOOKUP, HLOOKUP, XLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH—in real-world grantmaking scenarios.
  • Apply Excel lookup techniques—including the use of relative, absolute, and mixed cell references—to accurately combine grant-level and grantee-level datasets.
  • Streamline reporting and decision-making for grants professionals using Excel tables and cross-sheet lookups.

REGISTER

Visualize the Impact: Elevating Your Graphic Skills

Thursday, September 25, 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

This session will support grants professionals in moving beyond the basics and exploring the full spectrum of data visualization. Using Excel, attendees will learn how to create eye-catching and effective visuals such as dot plots, overlapping bars, small multiples, sunburst diagrams, and even maps—all without incurring additional software fees. You will build a beginner-level chart from scratch, making sure it meets both “Big A Accessibility”—Section 508 and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance—and “little a accessibility”—creating designs that are clear, inclusive, and engaging for all audiences. Next, tackle intermediate charts, powerful visual tools that have been hiding in Excel all along. Finally, you’ll make advanced charts that require creative thinking and practical workarounds.

By attending this workshop, participants will develop the following competencies:

  • Enhance data storytelling by applying a range of beginner, intermediate, and advanced chart types in Excel—including maps, dot plots, sunbursts, and small multiples.
  • Design accessible visuals that meet both Section 508 and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards and best practices for clear, engaging communication across diverse audiences.
  • Strengthen practical skills through hands-on creation of charts using real-world datasets, with a focus on creative problem-solving and Excel-based workarounds.

REGISTER

Visualize the Impact: Elevating Your Graphic Skills

Thursday, September 25, 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET

This session will support grants professionals in moving beyond the basics and exploring the full spectrum of data visualization. Using Excel, attendees will learn how to create eye-catching and effective visuals such as dot plots, overlapping bars, small multiples, sunburst diagrams, and even maps—all without incurring additional software fees. You will build a beginner-level chart from scratch, making sure it meets both “Big A Accessibility”—Section 508 and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance—and “little a accessibility”—creating designs that are clear, inclusive, and engaging for all audiences. Next, tackle intermediate charts, powerful visual tools that have been hiding in Excel all along. Finally, you’ll make advanced charts that require creative thinking and practical workarounds.

By attending this workshop, participants will develop the following competencies:

  • Enhance data storytelling by applying a range of beginner, intermediate, and advanced chart types in Excel—including maps, dot plots, sunbursts, and small multiples.
  • Design accessible visuals that meet both Section 508 and Americans with Disabilities Act compliance standards and best practices for clear, engaging communication across diverse audiences.
  • Strengthen practical skills through hands-on creation of charts using real-world datasets, with a focus on creative problem-solving and Excel-based workarounds.

REGISTER

Board Book Brilliance: Designing Data-Driven Pages in Excel

Thursday, January 15, 12:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. ET

Ready to move beyond basic tables and elevate your board books to a more polished, professional standard? In this practical webinar for PEAK Grantmaking members, you will learn how to enhance plain black-and-white tables using software you already have—Microsoft Excel. We’ll explore efficient techniques such as conditional formatting, sparklines, data bars, heat tables, and symbol fonts, along with time-saving strategies for designing directly in Excel and exporting to PDF. You’ll also discover how to incorporate logos, adjust page breaks, configure print layout settings, and add page numbers, custom footers, brand colors, and fonts—ensuring your board materials reflect the same level of excellence as your organization’s work.

In this session, participants will be able to:

  • Apply advanced Microsoft Excel features to transform plain tables into visually engaging and informative data visualizations.
  • Design and format professional-quality tables in Excel using time-saving strategies.
  • Configure print-layout and export settings to ensure tables are presented cleanly and professionally in board books.
  • Incorporate organizational branding elements to ensure board materials maintain a consistent, high-quality look.

REGISTER

Praise for the PEAK2025 Session Beyond the Numbers with Depict Data Studios’ Ann Emery

“The whole session was valuable! The information and skills they showcased were practical, useful, and can be implemented immediately.”

“I learned so many simple intuitive and intuitive tips and tricks on presenting clear and compelling data visualizations, such as number and letter alignment, using inclusive colors, pivot chart tips, and new Excel functions.”

“This was so well-targeted for the audience. Ann really understood the type of data that grants managers need to pull and how we can leverage it for our own audiences.”

“I learned how to make data digestible and visually appealing for different audiences, and how to communicate what’s important about the data.”

“I learned easy-to-follow instructions for developing a dashboard to tell the grantmaking story.”

Trainer

Ann K. Emery
Data Visualization Designer
Depict Data Studio

What to Expect

Each session is 3.5 hours with 2.5 hours of training to be followed by 1 hour of office hours for participants to ask additional questions, troubleshoot, and receive guidance from Ann.

What You’ll Need

  • A desktop or laptop computer (no tablets or phones), preferably a PC running Windows. Macs can be used, but a Windows PC is preferred. If your work computer has any restrictions, consider using a personal device.
  • Microsoft Excel, preferably the newest version, Microsoft 365
  • Optional: A case study from your workplace that you’re allowed to share with all participants (e.g., a public-facing report, infographic, or dashboard; a slide deck, etc.)

Registration

Cost per person for each session

  • Organization Members: $125 per session
  • Consultant Members: $125 per session
  • Individual Members: $200 per session
  • Nonmembers: $200 per session

Not yet a part of the PEAK community? Learn more about membership options here.

PEAK Staff Support

For more information on registration, please contact Senior Membership Manager Clare Larson at clare@peakgrantmaking.org. For questions related to training content and materials, please contact Senior Knowledge and Learning Manager Vanessa Elkan at vanessa@peakgrantmaking.org.

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