The Common Good Data Podcast

Common Good Data
  • 5.0 (13)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The podcast for nonprofit and government leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. On the Common Good Data Podcast, learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Episodes include interviews with social sector leaders and insights from the world of program evaluation. Hosted by Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe.

  1. FEB 16

    What Nonprofits Should Learn from the $2B SAMHSA Cuts

    In early 2026, I watched nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts to SAMHSA funding send shockwaves through the mental health and substance use field. Organizations lost grants. Staff lost jobs. Longstanding programs appeared to end overnight. Then, within 24 hours, the funding was reinstated. In this episode, I reflect on how nonprofit and social sector leaders can learn from that moment and use nonpartisan strategies for advocacy. I share three core lessons that I believe every organization needs to internalize in the current funding environment. Key Lessons: First, funding is more fragile than many of us would like to admit. Even longstanding, mission critical grants can be reduced or eliminated abruptly. Longevity and mission alignment alone are not protection. Second, impact must be clear before it is needed. Legislators and decision makers are asking practical questions about outcomes in their communities. If we cannot clearly articulate what changed because our program exists, we are vulnerable. Third, advocacy cannot begin during a crisis. The reinstatement of SAMHSA funding did not happen in a vacuum. It reflected years of organizations documenting their impact and building relationships with policymakers. Those relationships must be developed consistently, not only when funding is threatened. I also address a common hesitation among nonprofits around advocacy and lobbying. I clarify what 501c3 organizations are permitted to do and why engaging elected officials is both lawful and essential to a healthy democratic society. If you lead a nonprofit, manage grants, or rely on federal or state funding, this episode is designed to help you think strategically about resilience in 2026 and beyond. I challenge you to consider how your organization can strengthen its impact narrative, deepen its public presence, and position itself as credible and indispensable in the communities you serve. For more episodes on data, evaluation, strategy, and leadership in the social sector, visit www.commongooddata.com/podcast.

    16 min

  2. FEB 2

    Data-Driven Animal Welfare with Michelle Dunivan

    What does it look like to use data not just to report, but to change outcomes at a national scale?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and I are joined by Michelle Dunivan, Senior Director of Insights and Analytics at Best Friends Animal Society. Michelle shares how Best Friends uses data, partnerships, and trust-building to advance its bold mission of making the entire United States a no-kill nation.We talk about the realities of animal welfare as an under-resourced social sector, the lack of standardized data across communities, and how Best Friends has built one of the most comprehensive animal welfare data systems in the country. Michelle explains how data can help shift policy, guide local practice, and “myth-bust” the idea that things are only getting worse, even in challenging times.This conversation is also about something bigger than animal welfare. It’s about how nonprofits can use data ethically, transparently, and collaboratively to improve outcomes, build trust, and create collective impact across an entire field.In this episode, we discuss:- Why animal welfare data is uniquely challenging and deeply local- How Best Friends collects and uses data across thousands of shelters- The role of trust, transparency, and relationships in data sharing- How data can support continuous improvement - What nonprofits in any sector can learn from this approachIf you’re interested in evaluation, data strategy, collective impact, or using information to drive real change, this episode offers powerful lessons that extend far beyond animal welfare.

    35 min

  3. JAN 13

    3 Things Nonprofits and Social Sector Leaders Need to Do in 2026

    What does it actually take to lead well in 2026—especially when resources are tight, expectations are high, and the work is complex? In this solo episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share three practical, leadership-level moves nonprofit and social sector leaders can make this year to strengthen impact and make data work for you (instead of becoming another burden). You’ll hear a clear framework you can apply immediately—whether you’re leading a team, reporting to funders, or trying to get out from under data overload. In this episode, I cover: Clarity: getting laser-focused on mission, priorities, and what success actually looks like Impact: choosing measures that matter (and pairing them with stories so your work is understood) Funding: connecting your impact evidence to stronger fundraising and funder relationships If you’re heading into 2026 thinking, “We need a simpler, stronger way to explain what we do and why it matters,” this episode is for you.

    13 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    What This Year Taught Me About Evaluation

    In this special year-end episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share 12 evaluation reflections for the new year, inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas. As we wrap up the year, I wanted to slow things down and reflect on what I’ve been learning and what I hope to carry into my data and evaluation work in 2026. Throughout the episode, I talk about why it’s so important to rediscover your “why”, listen before measuring, and simplify your data practices so they actually support your mission instead of overwhelming your team. I also reflect on the balance between stories and statistics, and why meaningful evaluation always needs both to truly communicate impact. I share thoughts on prioritizing data use over data collection, approaching evaluation as a learner rather than a prover, and re-centering equity by sharing power in how we define success. Along the way, I emphasize building relationships around data, celebrating small wins, and investing in your team’s capacity so evaluation becomes a source of learning and growth — not frustration. I close the episode with a reminder to lead with hope. Even in a challenging year, evaluation can help us make sense of change, stay grounded in purpose, and imagine what’s possible as we move into the year ahead.

    19 min

  5. 11/10/2025

    Building Relationships with Funders with Bill Crouch

    How do you build real, lasting relationships with funders — the kind that go beyond the grant cycle?In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, hosts Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Bill Crouch, President of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors, to talk about the human side of fundraising. Bill shares why fundraising is not just about money — it’s about meaning, trust, and impact.Together, they unpack what it looks like to connect authentically with funders, align your mission with donor purpose, and communicate the difference your work truly makes. You’ll also hear practical advice on how to approach funder conversations, sustain relationships, and bridge the gap between impact and investment.What you’ll learn in this episode: • How to move from transactional to transformational fundraising. • The mindset that helps funders become partners. • The connection between impact storytelling and donor trust. • Why data and relationships must work hand-in-hand. • Practical tips to strengthen long-term funder relationships.Learn more about using data for impact:Take Drew’s online course at CommonGoodData.com/courses.

    42 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    Democratizing Data for Stronger Neighborhoods with Victor Amaya

    On this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe sit down with Dr. Victor Amaya, President and Executive Director of Data You Can Use in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Dr. Amaya shares how his organization flips the traditional research model on its head by starting with communities first. Instead of merely extracting data, his team listens, co-creates with residents, and keeps data in the hands of the people who know their neighborhoods best. Together, they explore what it means to truly democratize data—turning raw statistics into clarity, trust, and actionable change. The conversation highlights practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators, and digs into big initiatives such as addressing life expectancy gaps and developing a localized wealth index. Dr. Amaya emphasizes that data isn’t about proving, it’s about improving, and that lasting impact comes from relationships, accessibility, and genuine community voice. In this episode, we’ll discuss: Why democratizing data starts with listening to neighborhoods and residents.How trust and relationships transform research into community-driven impact. Practical tools like neighborhood dashboards and indicators that make data accessible. Tackling big challenges such as life expectancy gaps and wealth disparities with data. The power of co-creation: moving from numbers to narratives to action. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, social sector professional, or simply passionate about equitable community outcomes, this episode offers fresh insights on how to use data to build stronger, healthier, and more connected neighborhoods.

    45 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Moving at the Speed of Trust: Building Ethical Data Systems with Sydney Idzikowski

    In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, Roger and Drew are joined by Sydney Idzikowski, Associate Director of the Charlotte Regional Data Trust, for a deep dive into how integrated data systems can “move at the speed of trust.” Together, they unpack what administrative data is, why it so often remains siloed across agencies, and how the Data Trust works to securely connect information from sectors like housing, education, and public health. Sydney shares how building trust—amid privacy concerns and data surveillance fears—is central to effective data sharing, and explains the governance, legal, and technical frameworks that make it possible. Sydney has been at the helm of turning fragmented agency data into a single, trusted resource for research, planning, and evaluation. From linking school records to shelter stays, to mapping out the pathways of people who’ve experienced homelessness – she’ll share real‑world stories that show how data can drive policy changes that actually help people. In this episode we’ll cover: The biggest challenges with administrative data at the local level How a “data trust” works and why it matters for privacy, ethics, and impact Success metrics for an integrated data system (think 35 % of a county’s population!) A compelling case study on homelessness services that led to a full‑time social worker in a shelter Practical tips for researchers, practitioners, and anyone curious about using linked data responsibly Check out the Charlotte Regional Data Trust and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy.

    44 min

  8. 07/07/2025

    Tracking Impact, Transforming Care: A Conversation with Carolyn Allison of CCHC

    In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, we’re joined by Carolyn Allison, CEO of Charlotte Community Health Clinic, to explore what it really means to care for the health of a community. Together with co-host Roger Suclupe, we discuss: How more than 100,000 Mecklenburg County adults live without health insuranceThe innovative ways Charlotte Community Health Clinic expands access to care, including integrated behavioral health, dental services, and partnerships with reentry programs and immigrant-serving organizationsHow data and needs assessments guide service expansion and decision-makingThe vital role of community health workers and health literacy in advancing equityA moving story about how dental care changed one patient’s confidence and future Whether you work in healthcare, the nonprofit sector, or simply care about building healthier communities, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

    37 min
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The podcast for nonprofit and government leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education. On the Common Good Data Podcast, learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of the individuals and communities they serve. Episodes include interviews with social sector leaders and insights from the world of program evaluation. Hosted by Drew Reynolds and Roger Suclupe.

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