In this episode of the W(h)ine About Data Podcast, Amanda Lopez and Rose Johnson discuss the power and importance of talking about data regularly, especially in nonprofit organizations. They explore the challenges nonprofits face in discussing data, the process of analyzing data for insights, and the significance of making course corrections based on data findings. The conversation emphasizes the need for curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement in data discussions, providing practical tips for integrating data into existing meetings and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes twice a month! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Hyperlinked reference titles here

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Rose Johnson – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Rose are drinking a Cabernet Sauvignon “Super Cab” by St. Julian Winery in this episode! 

In this episode of the W(h)ine About Data Podcast, Amanda Lopez and Rose Johnson chat about the art and science of data design: creating visually compelling and digestible data visuals—especially for nonprofit and organizational reporting. Whether you're a data professional or a visual beginner, get practical tips and insights to enhance your dashboards, reports, and presentations. Stand out in your designs!

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes twice a month! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Plotly.com (Free online platform for easier data visualization)

• ColorOracle.org (Accessibility testing tool for color-blind friendly visuals)

• Our Go-To Sources for Getting Data: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/evaluation/update-our-go-to-sources-for-getting-data/

• 3 Tools to Develop Meaningful Infographics: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/general-information/3-tools-to-develop-meaningful-infographics/

• Nonprofit Storytelling: Why Go Visual?: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/evaluation/nonprofit-storytelling-why-go-visual/ 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Rose Johnson – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Rose are drinking a Pinot Blanc by Braganini Reserve in this episode! 

In this episode of the W(h)ine About Data Podcast, Alison Gerardot of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne joins Amanda to discuss the Foundation’s journey of creating a vision plan for the community. They explore the importance of data in informing strategic decisions, the operationalization of the vision plan, and the role of community foundations as conveners in addressing community needs. Alison shares insights on the challenges and successes of implementing the Let's Rise vision plan, emphasizing collaboration and adaptability in the nonprofit sector.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes twice a month! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne: https://cfgfw.org/

• Transform Consulting Group: https://transformconsultinggroup.com

• Start With Why by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/ 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Alison Gerardot– Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Alison are drinking a Non-Alcoholic Pinot Grigio by SEAGLASS Coastal Wines in this episode! 

In this episode of the W(h)ine About Data Podcast, Alison Gerardot of the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne joins Amanda to discuss the foundation’s “Let’s Rise” Community Indicators Dashboard. They explore the vision behind the dashboard, its significance in tracking community well-being, and the importance of data-informed decisions in the nonprofit sector. The discussion highlights the feedback received from the community, insights gained from the data, and the visual representation of information through data mapping. Amanda and Alison also touch on the long-term commitment required for maintaining the dashboard and offer advice for other foundations considering similar initiatives.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes twice a month! Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Let’s Rise: Community Indicators Dashboard: https://cfgfw.org/community-dashboard/

• What’s the benefit of community indicators? https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/education/whats-the-benefit-of-community-indicators/ 

• 4 Steps to Create a Dashboard: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/evaluation/4-steps-create-dashboard/ 

• Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne: https://cfgfw.org/

• Transform Consulting Group: https://transformconsultinggroup.com

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Alison Gerardot – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Alison are drinking a Non-Alcoholic Sauvignon Blanc by Frē Wines in this episode! 

Amanda Lopez is joined by Morgan Ellis, Communications Manager for Transform Consulting Group, to discuss 4 key Facebook metrics that every nonprofit should be measuring in their marketing. Digital marketing tools like social media platforms, websites, and email marketing are here to stay. Morgan shares with our audience of nonprofit professionals the 4 most important Facebook metrics to consider, regardless of the size of the organization.

The 4 Facebook Metrics

• Reach (Views): The number of times your content was played or displayed. Content includes videos, posts, stories and ads.

• Engagement rate (Content interactions): The number of likes or reactions, saves, comments, shares and replies on your content, including ads. Content can include formats such as posts, stories, reels and more.

• Link Clicks: The number of clicks, taps or swipes on links within your content, including ads. Content may include formats such as posts, stories and reels that led to destinations or experiences, on or off Facebook.

• Follower Growth: The total number of followers of your Facebook Page or profile. This is calculated as the number of follows minus the number of unfollows over the lifetime of your Facebook Page or profile.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Marketing 101: 5 Tips to Build Your Brand: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/communities/marketing-101-5-tips-build-brand/

• Marketing 101: 4 Steps for Your New Year Marketing Efforts: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/communities/marketing-101-4-steps-new-year-marketing-efforts/ 

• Marketing 101: 5 Ways to Enhance Your Social Media: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/project-management/marketing-101-5-ways-enhance-social-media/ 

• TransformConsultingGroup.com 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Morgan Ellis – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Morgan are drinking Funkelwürtz Zero Non-Alcoholic Wine. 

In this episode, Amanda Lopez is joined by Chief Program Officer, Joni Schmalzried, of WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation). They discuss the importance of partnerships between nonprofits and foundations—exploring how nonprofits can effectively align their missions with foundations, the role of data in these partnerships, and the significance of storytelling in demonstrating impact.

Joni emphasizes the need for transparency and open communication to foster strong relationships between nonprofits and foundations, while also highlighting the importance of being informed about the data used in nonprofit proposals to foundations.

The conversation provides valuable insights for nonprofits looking to strengthen their partnerships with foundations.

Key Takeaways:

• Nonprofits should align their missions with foundations

• Data is crucial for demonstrating impact to funders

• Storytelling is an essential part of communicating success

• Transparency in reporting is vital for trust

• Nonprofits should not hesitate to reach out to foundations

• Understanding the specific data definitions is important

• Building relationships requires consistent communication

• Foundations can provide valuable resources and information

• Nonprofits should be proactive in sharing their challenges

• Partnerships should evolve based on ongoing data and feedback

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

What role can private foundations play in strengthening their grantees’ data capacity? It’s widely known that nonprofit organizations face significant challenges when it comes to data management, analysis, and evaluation. In this episode, we talk with Mandy Drakeford from WindSwell Foundation (formerly AWS Foundation) in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to explore practical strategies funders can use to help nonprofits develop critical data literacy skills.

This episode is great for private foundation professionals, nonprofit leaders, and clean-data advocates. Learn about the key challenges facing nonprofits today, how private foundations can effectively support grantee data capacity building, the benefits of investing in nonprofit data literacy training, practical steps to strengthen evaluation and data management, and more.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• Client Dashboard Examples: Public.tableau.com/app/profile/transform.consulting.group/vizzes#!
• Building a Community Indicators Dashboard: TransformConsultingGroup.com/project/building-a-community-indicators-dashboard-for-community-impact-initiatives
• What is a Data-Informed Organization?: TransformConsultingGroup.com/evaluation/what-is-a-data-informed-organization
• How to Develop Data and Evaluation Competencies in Your Staff: TransformConsultingGroup.com/communities/how-to-develop-data-and-evaluation-competencies-in-your-staff
• Our Go-To Sources for Getting Data: TransformConsultingGroup.com/evaluation/update-our-go-to-sources-for-getting-data
• Why You Should Invest in Training Up Nonprofit Leaders: TransformConsultingGroup.com/nonprofit/why-you-should-invest-in-training-up-nonprofit-leaders
• WindSwell.org
• TransformConsultingGroup.com 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Mandy Drakeford – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Mandy are drinking the refreshing Black Razzberry Lacroix

Most nonprofits struggle to create annual reports that people actually want to read. In this episode, host Amanda Lopez talks with TCG’s Communication Manager, Morgan Ellis, about making annual reports that donors, board members, and stakeholders care about. This year is coming to a close, so this is the perfect time to rethink your approach to annual reporting.

Morgan breaks down five things every good annual report needs: knowing your audience, leading with stories instead of data, keeping your mission visible throughout, using clean design with strong visuals, and sharing it everywhere. Learn from Amanda and Morgan as they discuss TCG's own experience creating annual reports.

Don’t let your annual report sit on a shelf. Let it work for you across all your communication channels. Whether this is your first annual report or you're updating an old process, this episode gives you a clear framework for showing what your organization actually accomplishes.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• 3 Ways for Nonprofits to Refresh their Annual Report: TransformConsultingGroup.com/project-management/3-ways-for-nonprofits-to-refresh-their-annual-report
• TCG’s Annual Reports through the Years: TransformConsultingGroup.com/about-us/annual-reports 
• W(h)ine About Data Podcast Episode 20: Tell Impactful Stories in an Ethical Way: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/episode-20-tell-impactful-stories-in-an-ethical-way 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Morgan Ellis – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Morgan are drinking NOZECO Non-Alcoholic Peach Bellini in this episode! 

End-of-year giving is crucial for nonprofits, with 30% of annual donations happening in December.

In this episode, host Amanda Lopez joins Cathy Gatchel from The Honeywell Foundation to discuss data-driven strategies that turn year-end fundraising pressure into success. Discover how to leverage donor data, optimize fundraising campaigns for #GivingTuesday, and craft compelling stories and appeals that resonate during the holiday season. Cathy shares proven tactics (from her 20+ years in the nonprofit sector) for maximizing fourth-quarter donations, from segmenting donor lists to timing your outreach for maximum impact. Learn how successful nonprofits use analytics to identify major gift prospects, personalize messaging, and build urgency without overwhelming supporters.

Whether you’re scrambling to meet budget goals or planning ahead for next year, this conversation offers actionable insights and next steps to transform your year-end fundraising approach.

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• 10 Tips for Your Year-End Giving Campaign: TransformConsultingGroup.com/communities/10-tips-year-end-giving-campaign 
• Besides an ask, did you say thank you for your donation?: TransformConsultingGroup.com/fundraising-strategies/besides-ask-say-thank-for-your-donation 
• 6 Strategies to Maximize #GivingTuesday: TransformConsultingGroup.com/fundraising-strategies/7-strategies-maximize-givingtuesday 
• 21st Century Fundraising: Using Integrated Campaigns: TransformConsultingGroup.com/fundraising-strategies/21st-century-fundraising-using-integrated-campaigns 
• W(h)ine About Data Podcast Episode 23: 3 Donor Database Secrets that Increase Nonprofit Funds: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/episode-23-donor-database 
• W(h)ine About Data Podcast Episode 20: Tell Impactful Stories in an Ethical Way: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/episode-20-tell-impactful-stories-in-an-ethical-way 
• W(h)ine About Data Podcast Episode 19: Charitable Giving Trends from 2024: TransformConsultingGroup.com/podcast/episode-19-charitable-giving-trends-from-2024 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Cathy Gatchel – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Cathy are drinking Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Chardonnay in this episode! 

In this episode, discover three donor database secrets that every seasoned nonprofit fundraising professional is using to increase their annual fundraising results.

Welcome Cathy Gatchel, Chief Development Officer for The Honeywell Foundation in Wabash, Indiana, to this episode of the W(h)ine About Data podcast! Cathy shares her 20 years of fundraising experience and gives us the inside scoop on how nonprofits can improve their overall fundraising strategy.

Here are the three donor database secrets:

1. Donor Profile Management: Keep donor contact information and profiles up-to-date
2. Multi-Channel Communication: Collect all ways of contacting every donor
3. Gift Cycle Tracking: Take detailed notes on where each donor lands in the giving cycle

W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one glass of wine at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. 

References:

• HoneywellArts.org/honeywell-foundation
• HoneywellArts.org/eagles-theatre 
• DowntownWabash.org
• VisitWabashCounty.com 
• How Do I Start Fundraising? 
• 4 Free Ways to Increase Fundraising 

This episode features Amanda Lopez and Cathy Gatchel – Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Cathy are drinking “Seaswept” wine by Josh Cellars in this episode!