W(h)ine About Data

W(h)ine About Data

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.

Episodes

March 2, 2026 19 mins

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 communi...

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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 orga...

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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 transparenc...

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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 li...

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November 3, 2025 20 mins

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 repo...

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October 15, 2025 18 mins

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...

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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 ...

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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 w...

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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 so...

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Rose Johnson returns alongside Amanda Lopez for a masterclass in ethical storytelling that puts your community at the center of your impact narrative. In this essential episode for nonprofits and data-driven organizations, our hosts break down the art and ethics of using data to tell authentic, powerful stories that honor the people behind the numbers.

Why This Episode Matters: In an era where authentic connection drives real change...

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Our very own Senior Project Consultant Rose Johnson returns with TCG President Amanda Lopez to provide expert insights on charitable giving trends and how your nonprofit can use them to its advantage in 2025.

Rose and Amanda discuss the latest Giving USA Report – covering charitable giving trends from 2024 – and share helpful transformer tips to build up diversified funding streams for your nonprofit organization!

Key Takeaways in Ep...

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At TCG, we love working with non-profit community-based organizations! 

In today’s episode of the W(h)ine About Data podcast, we are joined with special guest Teresa Galley, Executive Director, as she discusses the link between nonprofits and data. Tune in to episode 18 to learn more about the prioritization of data in nonprofits. 

Learn more about TCG, what we do, and other client examples here: https://www.transformconsultinggro...

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We had the pleasure to sit down with the incredible Julie Garber and discuss how foundations use data.

Foundations are often tasked with the difficult decision of distribution with finite funds. Learn more about how foundations analyze their data to determine impact. 

Learn more about TCG, what we do, and other client examples here: https://www.transformconsultinggroup.com/ 

References: 

Watch this episode on YouTube!

Follow us on Faceb...

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June 15, 2025 21 mins

It’s no secret that grant writing can be taxing!

On our newest episode of the W(h)ine About Data podcast, Amanda Lopez, President of TCG, and Rose Johnson, Senior Project Consultant, dive into data tips and tricks that aid in grant writing. 

Whether it’s building your data inventory to determine your go-to data indicators or providing a strong case statement, this episode is packed with helpful tools to aid in your grant writing proc...

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June 1, 2025 15 mins

We LOVE data visualization! Putting your data in pictures, charts, and graphs can really elevate your data story.

Today we have Sara Gropp, Data Manager and certified Tableau Specialist again to chat about why it’s important to make your data visually appealing. We breakdown how you can make data visual (dashboards, infographics, etc.) and share our go-to tips and best practices. 

Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star review!

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May 15, 2025 19 mins

We’ve talked about it before, but “dirty data” can keep our Transformers up at night!

When data gets overwhelming, disorganized, or inaccessible, often the reason is that it’s messy and time for a clean up! This is a common “whine” for many of our clients so we’re pulling in Data Manager, Sara Gropp for this conversation as she talks through our simple approach to cleaning up data.

Are you in our FB group? You can chat with Transform...

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In today’s episode, we’re happy to introduce Data Manager Sara Gropp!

She brings her data lens to the conversation as we discuss best practices for collecting feedback. “Collaborate” is a pillar of our work at TCG regardless of the type of project.

Gathering feedback from partners, staff, clients, funders, and others is vital to inform your work and telling your organization’s story.

We break down who we need to gather feedback from,...

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April 15, 2025 15 mins

On the surface, "evaluation" doesn't sound fun or exciting. Maybe it even makes you panic! Simply put, an evaluation helps you determine if your organization is accomplishing what you set out to accomplish! This episode breaks down our simple 4-step approach over a glass of wine and some laughs. 

Did you know we have a Facebook group?? This is the place to connect with our TCG Transformers and other like-minded Whiners...

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Many of you have heard of SMART goals, but when it comes to outcomes and outputs, putting the acronym into practice can be a challenge. SMART stands for: 

  • Specific

  • Measurable

  • Achievable

  • Relevant

  • Time-based

It's a litmus test you can use to make sure you have strong outcomes and goals. In today's episode, we walk through the steps towards making your outputs and outcomes "SMART", share examples of clients who ar...

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March 15, 2025 17 mins

Today's episode takes us back to the basics as we chat about outcomes and outputs. Our goal is to remove the fancy lingo and help you understand how both of these are needed to reach your organization's goals for impact. Simply put, "outputs" are the tangible items or activities you provide. "Outcomes" are the change or the benefit of the activity provided. We share the common hurdles we see nonprofits e...

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