How do you approach your nonprofit data?
Data is a necessary part of responsive fundraising. In order to listen to, connect with, and make relevant suggestions to your supporters, you need trustworthy data. This requires two distinct skill sets: data entry and data management.
This week on The Responsive Weekly, Sasha R. Lewis, CFRE, of Moves Management Consulting, joined us to discuss the differences between these skills, why your nonprofit needs expertise in both, and share best practices for nonprofit data management.
The Quick Summary
Top Takeaways
- Your data is the key to connecting with your supporters and providing a responsive, relevant experience.
- Data entry is about transactions. It should be precise, accurate, and follow a repeatable process of steps.
- Data management is about strategy. It’s about looking at the big picture and using data to inform fundraising. Data management helps you use your system to support your goals.
- These two functions are very different, and usually are the work of more than one person.
- If you can’t hire for another data position at the moment, work to retain your current staff and consider adding part-time support or working with vetted volunteers.
- Consistency and documentation are key to getting a handle on your data. Even if you can’t make an investment in data management or do anything else right now, start with consistent data entry and documenting your process.
