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How nonprofits can use data for decision making starts with a simple shift: recognizing that data is just information you already have. Dr. T’Ping Westbrook and Dr. Allison K. Holmes break down how nonprofit leaders can move from confusion to clarity by using data as a strategic tool—not a reporting burden.

For many organizations, data feels overwhelming, technical, or even intimidating. But as Dr. Westbrook explains, “Data is information. If you have information, you have data.” This powerful reframe removes the barrier and puts nonprofits back in control of their decision-making.

The conversation challenges a common mistake across the sector—collecting data primarily to satisfy funders instead of strengthening internal strategy. Instead, the duo emphasize starting with a critical question: what information do you actually need to run your organization effectively?

From there, nonprofit leaders can begin building a data-driven culture grounded in clarity, shared language, and purpose. Organizations that succeed in this space align their teams around a common understanding of their work, ensuring that data is accessible, relevant, and actionable across departments.

Dr. Holmes highlights the importance of intentional use: data should guide strategy, inform program improvements, and support proactive planning—not just check compliance boxes. When used correctly, data becomes a tool for empowerment rather than pressure.

The episode also introduces a practical framework for evaluating data quality. As Dr. Westbrook shares, “You need the right information at the right time for the right people.” If your data isn’t useful, accessible, or aligned with your mission, it’s not serving your organization.

Ultimately, this conversation positions data as a leadership tool—one that connects mission, operations, and outcomes to drive real impact.

00:00:00 Introduction to Data Party
00:02:30 Why nonprofits struggle with “data”
00:05:00 Reframing data as everyday information
00:07:00 The danger of disconnected data collection
00:09:00 Shifting mindset: data as a tool, not a burden
00:12:00 What makes data “good” for nonprofits
00:15:00 Funder expectations vs internal strategy
00:17:00 Using data to guide decisions and programs
00:20:00 Aligning teams with shared data language
00:24:00 Building a data-driven nonprofit culture
00:26:00 Proactive vs reactive data strategy
00:27:30 Final insights and leadership takeaways

#NonprofitDataManagement #DataDrivenNonprofits #TheNonprofitShow

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This episode explores how nonprofits can fix fragmented data systems by centralizing information, improving reporting, and building scalable infrastructure that supports growth and better decision-making. A strong nonprofit data management strategy is no longer optional—it’s essential for scaling impact, improving reporting, and saving valuable staff time.

Cherry Yang, CEO of Claribase and an award-winning Airtable consultant, shares how nonprofits can move from fragmented systems and spreadsheet overload to centralized, scalable data operations. If your team is constantly switching tools, copying and pasting data, or struggling to produce reports, this conversation offers a clear path forward.

Cherry explains why most nonprofit systems fail: they operate in silos. Fundraising platforms, program data, financial tools, and spreadsheets often live separately—creating inefficiencies and increasing risk. As she notes, “People end up doing a lot of copy and pasting… and it just doesn’t work. It’s not efficient, and people waste so much time.”

Instead, she advocates for centralized data systems that connect teams, automate workflows, and provide real-time dashboards for leadership. With the right structure, nonprofits can eliminate manual processes, reduce errors, and give decision-makers immediate access to insights.

The business impact is significant. One organization Cherry worked with grew from 2 to 25 staff members in five years—largely because they could clearly report outcomes and secure funding through strong data practices. As Cherry puts it, “It’s all about setting the organization up for scale… so leadership can get data at their fingertips.”

This episode also addresses:

• How data fragmentation creates operational drag
• Why dashboards are critical for leadership and grant reporting
• How to structure training across different roles
• The connection between data systems and organizational growth

If your nonprofit is ready to operate more efficiently and grow with confidence, this is a must-watch.

00:00:00 Introduction to nonprofit data challenges
00:02:00 What a nonprofit data strategy really means
00:05:05 Why nonprofit systems fail in silos
00:06:45 The hidden cost of copy-and-paste workflows
00:10:15 Real-world example: event and speaker data chaos
00:11:30 Centralizing systems with automation
00:14:00 Training teams for data success
00:16:30 Leadership dashboards and self-serve reporting
00:21:30 How dashboards improve grant reporting
00:22:20 Case study: scaling from 2 to 25 staff
00:24:30 Expanding data systems into finance and grants
00:27:30 Where to start: data health check and next steps

#NonprofitData #NonprofitLeadership #TheNonprofitShow

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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Nonprofit payroll compliance strategies are no longer optional—they are essential for managing risk, retaining talent, and maintaining funder trust. In this learning session, Jeff Griffin of ADP and Dr. Stephanie Rose-Belcher of JMT Consulting walk through the most critical payroll issues nonprofit leaders must get right today.

From worker classification to grant-funded payroll tracking, the conversation highlights how payroll decisions impact everything from compliance exposure to financial transparency. As Jeff Griffin explains, “If you get this wrong, you're on the radar of some pretty important agencies—IRS, Department of Labor, EEOC.” Misclassification doesn’t just create regulatory risk—it affects fairness, tax obligations, and employee protections.

The discussion also explores how nonprofits can better align payroll systems with funding requirements. With increasing pressure from funders to demonstrate accountability, organizations must track time, allocate labor across grants, and generate accurate reports. A connected technology ecosystem becomes critical—not just for compliance, but for future funding conversations.

Another emerging strategy? Earned Wage Access (EWA). This innovative approach gives employees access to wages before payday, helping nonprofits improve retention without increasing compensation costs. As Stephanie Rose-Belcher notes, it’s a practical way to support mission-critical staff when budgets are tight.

Finally, the episode dives into how AI is transforming payroll operations. From identifying anomalies to providing real-time employee insights, AI is reducing manual work and enabling finance teams to focus on higher-level strategy. “We now give that back office professional the ability to be strategic in their time,” Stephanie shares.

This is a must-watch conversation for nonprofit executives, finance leaders, and operations teams looking to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and build stronger organizations through smarter payroll strategies.

00:00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Payroll Risks
00:03:00 What ADP and JMT Bring to Nonprofit Finance
00:06:10 Worker Classification and Compliance Exposure
00:11:10 Grant Payroll Tracking and Transparency Challenges
00:15:00 Earned Wage Access and Employee Retention
00:19:25 Why Payroll Strategy Impacts Turnover
00:20:30 AI in Payroll: Detecting Errors and Anomalies
00:24:00 From Manual Tasks to Strategic Finance Leadership
00:27:10 Innovate Conference and Finance Leadership Trends
00:30:00 Final Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFinance #PayrollCompliance

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show