More Impact, Less Overhead: Bringing Self-Service Data to Nonprofits

Nonprofits exist to change lives—not get buried in tedious processes and inefficient workflows. Unfortunately, and too often, limited staff and resources are stretched thin, wrestling with disconnected systems and repetitive tasks when it comes to managing data. The good news? Modernizing workflows can change that with a self-service data platform, like CData Connect AI.

This article will give an overview of why and how organizations like yours unify data and streamline processes with one platform, helping you to focus on what matters most—advancing your mission.

Disconnected data causes disconnected workflows

One major roadblock for many nonprofits is that most systems don't talk to each other. Because of this, staff must manually pull data from multiple platforms. This problem wastes hours, eats into budgets, and increases the risk of errors. Furthermore, storing exported data can become an expensive burden.

Even the most established nonprofits can get stuck in inefficient workflows when data is scattered across disconnected systems. Outdated processes drain valuable time and resources, which leaves your team feeling overwhelmed and stressed, with less time to stay centered on the true purpose of your nonprofit. Findings from the 2024 Nonprofit Trends Report by Cerini & Associates confirm that workflow automation is no longer optional—it's essential for organizations facing resource constraints and tight budgets.

Nonprofits need a platform that can help simplify, automate, and centralize operations to drive impact, which is the essential idea behind workflow modernization. Overall, picture it as a practical approach to reduce the overhead that many nonprofits face regarding data management.

What self-service data access offers

Modernize your workflow with the right platform and connect the data sources you need directly to insights and decision-making, with CData Connect AI. Connect AI is a cost-efficient, self-service data platform that allows users to connect various CRMs, spreadsheets, cloud applications, and APIs to power business intelligence (BI) and analytics.

Connect Cloud is a simple, yet efficient platform that allows your organization to make quicker and more accurate decisions, by simplifying the way data can be accessed.

Key benefits of what your organization can do with Connect AI:

• See real-time results: A few clicks refresh data information.

• Plug into 270+ connectors: Connects separate systems into a unified environment.

• Enact data governance and security: Curate and share data with donors and stakeholders.

• Use for non-technical staff: Authorized users can access or modify the data independently and simultaneously.

Modernizing your workflow doesn't have to be difficult

Connect Cloud offers the solution of connecting the already existing data that you have, with the tools that your organization already uses (for example, Blackbaud Raiser's Edge, PowerBI, QuickBooks, cloud and traditional databases, and more). Therefore, there's no need to replace your current system or install anything, because it's all on the cloud. In addition, there's no need to hire developers to configure your setup—even non-technical staff can use Connect AI. Once your data connections are set up, there's no need to worry about ongoing maintenance or complex configurations.

A simpler way to connect your data

Getting set up with Connect AI is simple:

1. Connect your data

2. Select your data

3. Access your data in analytics

Check out this quick Connect Cloud demo to show you how straightforward connecting your data sources can be with our user-friendly, no-code/low-code interface.

How organizations are utilizing Connect AI

Upstream USA, a nonprofit with over 200 locations, is dedicated to making reproductive healthcare accessible and affordable to all. They modernized their data operations with Connect AI. By integrating their Sage Intacct data into their Power BI dashboards via Connect AI, they were able to save their data team seven hours per week and curate more accurate and timely budgeting decisions.

Overall, the organization eliminated time-consuming manual exports and gained access to real-time insights. This shift not only streamlined operations but also enabled Upstream USA to make faster, data-driven decisions—freeing up staff to focus on more important tasks like opening more locations around the U.S.

"There were very few obstacles to us trying it and getting a working connection before we had to pay for anything. So, having a working proof of concept on the first day was by far the defining decision point for us.”

— John Hatch, Senior Data, Analytics, and Technology Analyst, Upstream USA

Centralize your data and save money with CData

CData Connect AI simplifies work processes so your team can leave data silos behind, automate everyday workflows, and focus on what truly matters: making an impact. Communities need your mission now—don't let outdated processes hold it back.