Ops Insights #039 Data Optimization
March 25, 2024 | Read Time: 2 minutes | Written by Jenny Kleintop
When was the last time you reviewed your data processes? How is data coming into your nonprofit, how is it being handled (and protected), and how is it going out?
Just because you have always done it that way doesn’t mean it’s the most effective or the best way to do it today. Often, in fundraising, as times change, so do our data needs and workflows. It’s important to have a process for reviewing and adjusting to meet current times.
Often this review leads to 3 buckets:
Some things are going really well and still up to par with best practices, and we will keep doing these.
Some things are doing okay, but could use a tweak or enhancement, so let’s prioritize a list and tackle these.
Some things you are missing and need to put in place, so let’s prioritize this list and devise a plan to get these in place.
All of this is a normal part of managing the data, CRM database, and philanthropy operations.
Here is a mini-review you can use:
Question to Answer: What data do we have access to and manage continuously?
Reason to Answer: Ensuring all the data you house inside or outside the CRM database is the best way to position you well for all the fundraising outreach you will do.
What data do we have access to?
What data do we store in the CRM?
What, if any, data do we store outside the CRM and why?
Are our data workflows set up to support all the data streams?
Are there any data workflows that need to be added or updated?
What is our Opt Out procedure?
Do we adhere to the Opt Out procedure?
What happens when Marketing and Communications sends e-blats?
Do we account for those unsubscribes or opt-outs?
Take Action
It’s time to do a review.
→ Use the above list and see how you are measuring up to the current times.
You’ve got this and I’ve got you!
👋 See you next time.
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