AI is everywhere—but without strong data practices, it can’t deliver real value for nonprofits. In this episode of Connected Cause by Heller Consulting, we explore why data readiness is the foundation for responsible, effective AI use in nonprofit, education, and healthcare operations. As automation and AI tools accelerate in 2026, clean, well-governed data has moved from a back-office concern to a mission-critical priority.

You’ll learn:

• The hidden costs of poor data quality—and how bad data undermines AI outcomes
• How to build a culture of data ownership and accountability across teams
  Why identifying and protecting your “golden” data fields matters more than tracking everything
• Practical approaches to consistency, automation, and strategic silo-busting
• When—and why—it’s time to let old data go
• How strong data governance fuels ethical, effective AI adoption

We also share real-world examples from Heller Consulting’s work with mission-driven organizations, highlighting what it takes to move from fragmented data to trusted, actionable insights.

Data work is mission work. Strengthening your data culture today sets your organization up to use AI with confidence—and to serve your community more effectively tomorrow.

Thanks for listening to Connected Cause. For more resources, visit teamheller.com.

Kelly Moody has been in the fundraising and advancement world for decades, working for global nonprofits and higher education institutions. Now, as the Vice President of Institutional Advancement for Teachers College, Columbia University, Kelly is thinking about how to best build relationships during times of uncertainty. Her advice? View times of uncertainty as opportunities to better connect with your donors and stakeholders. Focus on building trust in those relationships, and the financial support will follow. In this episode, you'll learn from Kelly and Shane Sugino, The Director of Higher Education at Heller Consulting. We also cover topics including unrestricted donations, how to incorporate DEI principles into your fundraising strategy, and how fundraising is different in nonprofits vs higher education. 

Before joining Heller Consulting, Mike Kirkpatrick spent 20 years in strategic marketing and technical roles in the nonprofit and education sectors. As a principal consultant, he advises Heller's clients on digital engagement tools and digital strategy. In this episode, Mike boils down his top advice for nonprofit marketers. For more on digital advice, head over to teamheller.com. 

RFPs and RFIs have been valuable tools for nonprofits when they are selecting new software. But with the tech needs of nonprofit departments becoming more interconnected and shifts in the options out there for organizations, sometimes and RFP doesn't get the full picture. In this episode, you'll hear from Heller Consulting's Director of Business Development, Jett Winders. Jett explains when to use a RFP and when you might need to look broader and do a technology assessment. For more on nonprofit technology strategy, visit teamheller.com. 

The term “digital transformation” in the nonprofit sector means different things to different people. For some, it’s putting an analogue process online. For others, it’s transforming digital fundraising efforts. For Andrew Caswell, he views digital transformation as remaking every process at an organization to better enhance the constituent experience. What is the key to reimagining that constituent experience? Good, clean, and reliable data. In this episode, you’ll learn advice from Andrew Caswell, who has led digital transformation efforts at the Canadian Cancer Society for more than two decades. You’ll also hear from Heller Consulting’s Digital Transformation Practice Lead, Catherine Moore on what she’s seeing in her strategy projects lately. For more on nonprofit digital transformation, visit teamheller.com. 

Change management is a set of techniques that can help you move your nonprofit from your current state to your desired future state. During technology projects, dedication to change management increases buy-in and decreases staff fears. In this episode, Digital Transformation Practice Lead for Heller, Catherine Moore shares examples of successful change management at nonprofits. She also addresses how to support staff members who feel burned out, and how you can get started with change leadership. 

If your technology systems at your nonprofit aren't keeping pace with demand or your goals, it might be time to look into new options. In this first episode of Connected Cause, you'll hear from Keith Heller and Jeffrey Appell. Keith and Jeffrey have been implementing technology tools at nonprofits for decades. They give advice for how to craft a plan for your organization's technology, trends impacting the sector, and how you can support your staff right now through technology. You'll also learn about options for building out your nonprofit's technology stack. For more resources from Keith and Jeffrey, be sure to check out teamheller.com.