Turning Data into Compelling Stories that Drive Funding with Candice Jordan
You don’t need more data. You need a better story.
In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Candice Jordan, Chief Development Officer at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, to explore how nonprofits can turn data into compelling stories that actually drive funding.
Many organizations collect data. But the real challenge is knowing how to use it strategically.
Candice shares how the most effective organizations take a backwards design approach starting with a deep understanding of their funders, and then shaping their data, stories, and visuals to align with what those funders care about most.
This conversation explores:
Why more data does not automatically lead to more funding
How prospect research helps you understand what funders actually value
What it means to “reverse engineer” your story around your audience
How to combine quantitative data, qualitative stories, and visuals for maximum impact
Why participant voice is often your most powerful source of insight
The difference between outputs and outcomes and how it affects your funding success
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is the idea of intentional storytelling using data not as the starting point, but as a tool shaped by your strategy, your audience, and your message.
If you are involved in fundraising, development, nonprofit leadership, or communications, this episode will help you rethink how you position your work and connect with funders in a more compelling way.
Learn more about Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, explore our free course, Break the Starvation Cycle, and take the Nonprofit Clarity + Impact + Funding Resilience Scorecard.
Our Guest
Candice Jordan is the Chief Development Officer for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. In this role, she leads strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, resource development, and two ReStore operations to generate revenue for Atlanta Habitat.
A graduate of Howard University and the University of Georgia, respectively, Candice Jordan is a nonprofit development professional with more than 18 years of experience leading fundraising, engagement, and marketing activities. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Candice grew a strong reputation as a thoughtful, highly strategic leader, driven by her personal connection to community and socioeconomic equity.
With her unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities, specifically among underserved populations, Candice has led operations throughout her career to generate more than $80M to shift the narrative for children and families across the country.
Candice is an accomplished leader whose accolades include participating in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership Institute, LEAD Atlanta, the Association for Fundraising Professionals (Atlanta Chapter) and earning Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40” recognition.
