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Simplifying Complexity Empowering You |
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As May unfolds with renewed energy and purpose, we're excited to share the latest developments, insights, and opportunities from Actually Data Analytics. Our commitment remains steadfast: to empower UK charities and non-profits with data-driven strategies that drive meaningful impact. |
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We're thrilled to announce the publication of not one but two new case studies, highlighting our partnerships with Depaul UK and Care4Calais. This collaboration showcases how our data solutions have enhanced their Gift Aid and reporting efforts. Dive into the details on our Resources Page. |
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We've also kicked off a new blog series titled "Actually Useful Maths for Data Work." The first two parts - Excel Functions for Database People and Maths for Database People (Without The Stressy Bit) - are already live, so be sure to check them out. Parts 3 - 5 will release weekly, so stay tuned for more.
As mentioned in last month's edition, at the time of publication, we are currently at ENCC London 25! Ant will be presenting "From email to impact - A Deep Dive into Engaging Networks data and reporting" in Affiliation Hub 3 on Wednesday morning, offering advice on measuring success from your email campaigns. Be sure to attend the session if you're there and say hi to me and Ant!
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Each month, we will look at industry trends, client feedback, or dive into our team's expertise to provide data-driven recommendations that help you stay ahead of the curve. |
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Engaging Younger Generations in Charitable Giving
Recent research underscores a significant shift in donor demographics. Gen Z and Millennials are emerging as the most generous contributors, each donating an average of over £500 annually. Their giving is often motivated by causes related to education, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ initiatives. To effectively engage this audience, charities should consider:
- Personalised Communication: Craft messages that resonate with their values and interests.
- Digital Engagement: Leverage social media and online platforms to reach them where they are most active.
- Transparency: Share the tangible impact of donations to build trust and loyalty.
For a comprehensive overview, please refer to JustGiving's 25 Years of Giving Report.
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We're big believers in working smarter, not harder. With each newsletter, we will provide practical, immediately applicable tips to help you streamline processes and maximise impact. |
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Using Dashboards to Drive Smarter Decisions
Many charities collect valuable data — but often, that data lives in spreadsheets or systems where it’s hard to access, interpret, or share. A well-designed dashboard can change that.
Dashboards bring your data to life by:
- Visualising Key Metrics: See campaign performance, donor retention, or website traffic at a glance.
- Spotting Trends Early: Identify what's working (and what’s not) so you can adjust in real time.
- Empowering Teams: Share insights across fundraising, comms, and leadership—without needing advanced technical skills.
You don’t need to invest in expensive tools to get started. Even a simple dashboard using Excel, Google Data Studio, or Power BI can make a big difference in turning raw data into actionable insight. Alternatively, why not chat with us about building a bespoke dashboard for your organisation, taking the stress and time away from your team?
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Here are some notable events for May 2025 that may be of interest to professionals in the UK third sector, with valuable opportunities to gain insights, network with peers, and stay informed about the latest trends. |
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Conferences & Workshops
- Charity Times Leadership Conference – 21 May 2025: Focused on navigating funding challenges and increasing demand, this conference brings together charity leaders to share strategies and insights.
- Charity Finance Investment Forum & Dinner – 2–3 June 2025: A two-day event offering expert sessions on investment strategies and networking opportunities for charity professionals managing investment portfolios.
- Fundraising Convention 2025 – 9–10 June 2025: Share insights across fundraising, comms, and leadership—without needing advanced technical skills. Ant will also be presenting on Monday with Born Free Foundation and Engaging Networks.
Legislative Updates
- Martyn’s Law Enacted to Enhance Public Venue Security: On 3 April 2025, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent. This legislation mandates that venues — including those operated by charities —that host public events implement specific security measures to safeguard against potential terrorist threats. Charities managing community centres, event spaces, or other public venues should review the new requirements to ensure compliance. You can read all the details here.
- Consultation on Financial Thresholds in Charity Law: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) launched a 10-week consultation last month to review financial thresholds in charity law. This consultation covers 21 thresholds across five categories, including audit requirements and reporting obligations. Charities are encouraged to participate and provide feedback before the consultation closes on 12 June 2025. You can discover more about the consultation here.
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This month, we're handing this section over to Mike, with an excerpt about how asking the right questions can ultimately make reporting more useful: |
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"At Actually Data Analytics, we see reporting as more than just a technical exercise. It’s a way of painting a picture of your organisation. A good reporting structure turns raw information into insight. Like a painter blending primary colours to create a broader palette, thoughtful reporting lets you combine different pieces of data to see trends, spot opportunities, and challenge assumptions. Sometimes it reveals things you’ve never noticed before. Other times, it gives you a fresh perspective on something you thought you already understood.
One thing I hear quite often is, “I bet we do things differently to everyone else.” Occasionally, that’s true. But most of the time, around 85% of what charities do is pretty consistent. And that’s actually a good thing. It means we can build reporting foundations that work well for lots of teams, while still leaving room to flex for what makes each organisation unique.
What we’re always trying to do is make things genuinely useful. That means building reports that make sense to fundraisers and supporter care teams, not just data analysts. It means making dashboards that are simple enough to glance at, but also rich enough to explore in more detail when needed. It means giving users the ability to change filters, test different scenarios, and use reports to power next steps like mailing selections or follow-up lists. That’s when reporting stops being a one-way output and becomes part of how a team works every day."
- Mike Guy
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Before we finish, we thought we would highlight some of our previous blog content from the ADA and AD websites, in case you missed it the first time round.
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And with that, our May edition of the newsletter draws to a close. Thank you for being a valued member of the Actually Data Analytics community. We encourage you to share this newsletter with colleagues and peers who might find it beneficial. If you have any feedback or topics you'd like us to cover in future editions, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Now, if you'll excuse us, we're currently taking in the latest news and words of wisdom from ENCC!
Until next time,
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Carl Phillips
Head of Marketing
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