W(h)ine About Data

Transform Consulting Group

Transform Consulting Group (TCG) is excited to share our new podcast“W(h)ine About Data"! This series is designed to demystify data and offer professionals an outlet for practical learning in an informal environment. At TCG, we’re educators at heart, but even when we’re “teaching,” our approaches (that we’ve worked so hard to simplify) can still seem daunting, overwhelming, and unrealistic for organizations in the trenches. This podcast is a low-cost (free and small-time commitment) investment for individuals who want to grow their data muscle.

  1. FEB 16

    EPISODE 28: 4 Facebook Metrics Every Nonprofit Needs to Measure

    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.

    26 min
  2. FEB 16

    EPISODE 27: Tips for Nonprofits Partnering with Foundations

    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.

    19 min
  3. JAN 15

    EPISODE 26: How Private Foundations Can Support Data Capacity

    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-initiativesWhat is a Data-Informed Organization?: TransformConsultingGroup.com/evaluation/what-is-a-data-informed-organizationHow to Develop Data and Evaluation Competencies in Your Staff: TransformConsultingGroup.com/communities/how-to-develop-data-and-evaluation-competencies-in-your-staffOur Go-To Sources for Getting Data: TransformConsultingGroup.com/evaluation/update-our-go-to-sources-for-getting-dataWhy You Should Invest in Training Up Nonprofit Leaders: TransformConsultingGroup.com/nonprofit/why-you-should-invest-in-training-up-nonprofit-leadersWindSwell.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

    13 min
  4. 2025-11-03

    Episode 25: Annual Report Pro-Tips

    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-reportTCG’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!

    20 min
  5. 2025-10-15

    EPISODE 24: End-of-Year Giving Data Tips

    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!

    18 min
  6. 2025-09-15

    EPISODE 22: The Nonprofit Fundraising Fix: Using Data-Informed Strategies to Build Better Donor Relationships

    Rose Johnson returns with our host Amanda Lopez to tackle a major pain point in fundraising: nonprofit fundraising strategies that actually work. Building on Episode 19’s discussion of 2024 giving trends, Rose and Amanda dive deep into why so many organizations chase the wrong donors, tell weak stories, and drop the ball on follow-up. Bottom line: Smart data strategies can transform your fundraising game.   Learn why targeting the wrong donors is costing your organization time and money. Take away the 3 critical fundraising mistakes that kill donor relationships. Understand how to audit your donor database and why it matters more than you think. Take notes on the key metrics that actually predict fundraising success. Plus, learn how to leverage your board, volunteers and other brand champions as assets for meaningful donor relationships. W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one conversation at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Learn more about TCG and explore other client stories at www.transformconsultinggroup.com. References: Episode 19: Charitable Giving Trends from 2024 https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/podcast/episode-19-charitable-giving-trends-from-2024/ Episode 20: Tell Impactful Stories in an Ethical Way https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/podcast/episode-20-tell-impactful-stories-in-an-ethical-way/Online Toolkit: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/education/online-toolkit-for-early-childhood-donors/Board Development: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/board-development/10-ways-to-include-board-members-in-fundraising/ Fundraising Strategies - Increase Funds: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/fundraising-strategies/4-free-ways-increase-fundraising/ Fundraising Strategies - Board Involvement: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/fundraising-strategies/how-to-get-your-board-involved-in-fundraising/  [LINK] Watch this episode on YouTube! Follow TCG on Facebook and LinkedIn.  This episode features Amanda Lopez and Rose Johnson! Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Rose are drinking ElementAL Wine’s pinot grigio in this episode!

    22 min
  7. 2025-09-01

    EPISODE 21: Rural Nonprofit Impact: How Carey Services Uses Data to Empower Disability Community Transportation

    In this episode, we're joined by Carey Services President and CEO Jim Allbaugh to discuss his rural nonprofit organization's impact in the community of Marion, Indiana. Carey Services is a community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities turn abilities into opportunities. Carey Services hired Transform Consulting Group to complete a research study informing the development of transportation solutions to support their clients' ability to work and engage in the community, while also meeting broader transportation needs for local residents and employers. Jim shares how his team uses data strategically to demonstrate why organizations like Carey Services play such a critical role in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve greater independence. We explore how data storytelling can amplify the impact of mission-driven work. W(h)ine About Data is your go-to podcast for turning data complexity into clarity, one conversation at a time. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts! We release new episodes on the 1st and 15th of every month. Learn more about TCG and explore other client stories at www.transformconsultinggroup.com. References: https://www.careyservices.com/https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/project/transportation-study-findings-for-rural-community/ [LINK] Watch this episode on YouTube! Follow TCG on Facebook and LinkedIn.  This episode features Amanda Lopez and Jim Allbaugh! Connect with them on LinkedIn for more insights! Amanda and Jim are drinking TÖST Original non-alcoholic wine in this episode!

    26 min

About

Transform Consulting Group (TCG) is excited to share our new podcast“W(h)ine About Data"! This series is designed to demystify data and offer professionals an outlet for practical learning in an informal environment. At TCG, we’re educators at heart, but even when we’re “teaching,” our approaches (that we’ve worked so hard to simplify) can still seem daunting, overwhelming, and unrealistic for organizations in the trenches. This podcast is a low-cost (free and small-time commitment) investment for individuals who want to grow their data muscle.