Changemakers Corner: How Airtable Moved One Team From Chaos To Clarity

A Strategic Clean-Up Approach 

Inbloom was brought in to develop an Annual Giving Plan for a nonprofit client, and our Development Audit revealed that their donor data needed refinement before it could fully support new fundraising strategies. Records were missing details, historical patterns weren’t fully captured, and the team needed a system they could confidently rely on. Inbloom quickly recognized that before building a new plan, the foundation needed to be strengthened, starting with the data. 

Instead of jumping straight into planning, we introduced Airtable as a cleanup and transition tool.  

Airtable appears like a spreadsheet, but it functions as a database hybrid, making it a perfect bridge between chaotic spreadsheets and a full Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) system. For this nonprofit, Airtable played a pivotal role in cleaning up donor records, restoring confidence in their data, and laying the foundation for a strong Annual Giving Plan. It allowed the team to rebuild their data infrastructure while simultaneously improving the effectiveness of their day-to-day fundraising efforts. 

 A Perfect Stepping Stone 

Starting with software like Airtable as an intermediary tool helped ease the transition to a more robust CRM. It was the right fit because of its similarity to a spreadsheet but offered far more power. 

Here’s why we like Airtable as a data management tool:  

• User Friendly: The interface and functionality are much like traditional spreadsheet software with a low learning curve and is easy to use. 

• Budget Friendly: No-cost entry point eliminates concerns about increased operational expenses. 

• Accessibility: Cloud-based functionality makes it accessible to team members whether they’re in the office, working from home, or an external vendor. 

• Centralized Storage: Allows for storing everything in one organized, searchable place, including attachments. 

• Dynamic Data Capabilities: Data updates automatically across all views and reports, eliminating version control issues. 

• Multiple Views: Creating different views of the same data while maintaining consistent structure and data integrity—perfect for team members who need different information on layouts.  

• Bonus Features: Project management, automated actions and reports, and an integrated dashboard builder provides CRM functionality.  

Right-Size Your Data 

Airtable can be a helpful organizational tool for nonprofits seeking to introduce more structure to their operations without committing to a comprehensive CRM immediately. Beyond donor data, it can support a range of day-to-day tasks, like tracking grant deadlines, organizing event logistics, or coordinating volunteer schedules. At Inbloom, we use Airtable to plan and execute our quarterly newsletter, manage content and ideas, assign writing tasks, track deadlines, and store final assets all in one shared space. For teams juggling multiple moving parts, having a centralized and flexible system can make collaboration more manageable.  

By starting with the right tools and a clear understanding of your goals, you can bring order to your data, streamline collaboration across teams, and create systems that truly support fundraising efforts. With a thoughtful approach, it's possible to turn disorganized information into a strategic asset that drives long-term success. 

And if you’re curious to dive deeper, reach out — we’ve got Airtable enthusiasts on our team who truly love nothing more than talking about managing your data!  

Contact Inbloom Consulting to learn how we can support your data management goals.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement: How to Know When It’s Time for a Case for Support Refresh

Your Case for Support isn’t a one-time project; it’s a living document that should evolve with your organization. When you keep it fresh and aligned with your current impact and vision, it energizes supporters and strengthens their connection to your mission. Neglect it, and you risk donors losing interest. Just like any important relationship, regular care and attention make all the difference. 

Natural Opportunities to Update Your Case  

The good news is there are plenty of natural moments to revisit and refresh your Case for Support. Think about the moments of pending change or growth in your organization, and how your mission may be impacted. 

• Launching a Campaign or Feasibility Study: Review your Case to confirm it reflects your most current priorities, anticipated impact, and future direction. Update language so it speaks directly to campaign goals.  

• Anniversaries and Milestones: Add a section celebrating progress to date and outline what’s next. Use stories and data to show growth over time.  

• Program Development: Incorporate new programs or services into your Case. Adjust your messaging so supporters see how these developments strengthen your mission delivery.  

• Strategic Planning: Align your Case with your updated organizational priorities. Cross-check language against your new strategic plan to ensure consistency. 

• Leadership Transitions: Revise your Case to highlight your leadership’s vision and reassure stakeholders of ongoing commitment. Use this moment to reinforce excitement about the future.  

Hidden Opportunities 

Some opportunities may be subtle but no less important.  

• Calendar Events and Trends: Staying attuned to these broader conversations and activities can help you identify moments when your Case could benefit from fresh context or updated statistics. 

• Sector and Landscape Changes: Add context showing you understand shifts in your field. Update your Case with data, insights, or examples of how your organization is adapting. 

• Economic Shifts: Your Case should acknowledge major economic changes. Adjust your Case to explain how you’re responding to challenges or leveraging opportunities. 

• Recognition and Awards: Incorporate recent awards, accreditations, or media coverage to add credibility and momentum to your Case.

Updating your Case for Support doesn’t need to be daunting, make it part of your regular rhythm.  Engage staff, board members, and trusted supporters to ensure it reflects what truly resonates. By keeping it fresh and responsive, your Case will continue to capture your mission’s power and inspire the support your work deserves.  

What if you don’t have a Case for Support? Or do you need help updating your story? If either situation sounds familiar, consider engaging experienced consultants, like Inbloom, who specialize in nonprofit storytelling and case development. The right partnership can make the difference between a case that works and one that truly transforms your fundraising efforts. Contact — Inbloom Consulting 

Submitted By: Kate Newsome | Inbloom Development Consultant | Connect w/ Kate on LinkedIn

Celebrating 10 Years of Inbloom Consulting

Our Video Celebrating 10 Years of Impact

Inbloom Consulting’s Tenth Anniversary Celebration was an unforgettable milestone! Whether you celebrated with us in person or cheered us on from afar, we are so grateful for your support. Over the past decade, your partnership, trust, and friendship have made it possible for us to work alongside nonprofits, advancing their missions and creating lasting impact. To mark this special occasion, we’re thrilled to share our 10-Year Video, showcasing the inspiring work of the incredible organizations we’ve had the honor to support. We also captured many wonderful memories from the celebration, which you can view on our LinkedIn page. Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us reach this milestone. Here’s to the next chapter of growth and impact—together!

How to Position Your Nonprofit’s Appeal Message to Reach the Right Audience at the Right Time

In the crowded nonprofit landscape, making your appeal stand out is essential. At Inbloom Consulting, we believe that with the right strategies, your nonprofit can create a lasting impact. Here’s how to position your appeal message effectively.  1. Understand Audience Motivations  

1. Understand Audience Motivations  

Identify what drives your audience—personal impact, community engagement, or global causes. Tailor your messages to align with these motivations, ensuring your appeal speaks directly to their interests. Make it easy for donors to contribute by clearly outlining all options and emphasizing the call to action in a straightforward manner.  

 2. Optimize Timing with Data  

Use data from past campaigns and social media analytics to determine when and how your audience will most likely engage. Look for patterns and schedule your appeals for maximum visibility. A social media audit can help ensure you’re reaching the right people on the right platforms at the right time.  

 3. Showcase Impact  

Donors want to see the results of their contributions. Highlight how donations have made a difference, and follow up with stories and testimonials, images, or videos to reinforce their decision to give and encourage future support.  

4. Engage Across Multiple Touchpoints  

Remind potential donors of your mission through consistent messaging. Use your appeal as a foundation for a broader campaign, breaking down content into emails and social media posts. Always thank your supporters for their involvement.  

5. Test and Adapt  

Continuously test different marketingcampaign elements, such as headlines and Call To Actions (CTAs). Analyze results in real-time and adjust your strategy as needed to maximize impact.  

Download our Checklist here to help you remember these essential activities. Reaching your audience at the right time and with the right message is key. By understanding your audience, leveraging data, and being strategic, your nonprofit can create appeals that resonate deeply. At Inbloom Consulting, we’re here to help you refine your messaging for maximum impact.

Why a Development Audit Can Supercharge Your Fundraising

As nonprofit leaders, we all share the same burning question: Are we making a real difference?   

Fundraising can feel like a constant hustle, leaving you unsure if your efforts are truly paying off. That's where a development audit becomes your game-changer.  Think of it like a fitness tracker for your fundraising.  A development audit goes beyond simply seeing how much money comes in and goes out (like bank statements) and digs much deeper, analyzing your fundraising approach and identifying hidden potential and areas for strengthening your development strategy.  

  3 reasons why a development audit is more than just a numbers game and how it can supercharge your fundraising:  

• Bank statements tell you what happened, while a development audit tells you why it happened.   It takes a close look at your donor base, understanding how engaged they are and uncovering opportunities to build stronger relationships that lead to bigger gifts and loyal supporters.  

• Numbers might show a positive result, but a development audit reveals if your fundraising efforts are efficient.   Are you pouring resources into programs that aren't delivering? An audit helps you rethink your spending and focus on strategies with the best value, or bigger return for your organization.   

• Accounting shows debits and credits while a development audit analyzes donor history and uncovers gold mines you might be missing.  Imagine tapping into monthly giving programs, strategic partnerships, or cultivating major donors. These could unlock significant growth for your organization.  

Investing in a development audit is investing in the future of your organization, allowing you to refine your fundraising strategies to best leverage your resources and achieve long-term financial stability.  While it is an initial investment, skipping it can lead to bigger costs down the road. The biggest mistakes we see organization make by not investing in a development audit include:   

Fundraising Stall-Out: Without a clear picture of your strengths and weaknesses, your fundraising might get stuck, leaving you unable to fully serve your beneficiaries.  

Wasting Precious Resources: Funding valuable programs gets harder when you're pouring money into initiatives with low returns.  

Losing Valuable Donors: Neglecting your donors can lead to them feeling forgotten and less likely to continue supporting you. 

Missed Funding Opportunities: Weak grant applications due to lack of data can shut the door to crucial funding. 

Disengaged Board: Board members without a clear understanding of your fundraising goals might hesitate to jump in and help.  

With a more powerful fundraising engine, guided by a development audit, you'll be better equipped to fulfill your mission and make a lasting change in the world.  

Ready to break free from fundraising frustration and jumpstart your growth? Inbloom Consulting can share experience and best practices about our development audit process, and how it has helped clients transform their organization and be a launch pad for fundraising success.    

How City Club of Cleveland harnessed their deep understanding of their audience

The team at the City Club of Cleveland harnessed their deep understanding of their audience to successfully raise funds for relocating to a new home and boosting their endowment through the Guardians of Free Speech Campaign. This achievement was not just a product of time and history, but also a testament to their unwavering commitment to the mission and their passion for ensuring everyone grasped the vision. So, how did they mobilize these assets for the Campaign?

City Club of Cleveland Guardians of Free Speech Campaign

"We were always intent on honoring the past and bringing it forward to inform the vision for the future. Change can be hard for people, so we tried to always tell the story of what was happening as part of the 100-plus-year evolution of a treasured institution that, from its inception was constantly innovating to meet the changing needs of its community," says Dan Moulthrop, CEO of The City Club of Cleveland. 

• The City Club was intentional about recruiting co-chairs and a campaign committee that had insight into campaign funding, yes, but who also represented their audiences. They broadened their donor base by making it clear from the start of the campaign that the City Club of Cleveland and the Guardians campaign is for all people, now and for generations to come. 

• They kept their priority campaign prospects front and center for every staff and campaign committee meeting. Activating the partnership with Inbloom for recommendations and research, each campaign stage came with its own list of potential donors to engage at the appropriate giving levels. 

• Campaign messaging was complementary to organizational messaging and at the same time, its look, feel, narrative, and conveyed its level of urgency. 

The City Club activated these strategies through written and verbal delivery from the CEO, board, and campaign committee, and visually presented on their campaign website and video.  View the Campaign Website Home | Guardians of Free Speech Campaign

How Nonprofits Can Combat Need Fatigue in 2024

Fundraising in 2024 continues to bring a unique set of challenges for nonprofit organizations. We recently wrote about ways to lean into fundraising success during challenging and uncertain times, such as what organizations are experiencing right now. But there is another pressing challenge lurking beneath the surface: Need fatigue.  

Need fatigue occurs when donors become desensitized or overwhelmed by a constant stream of appeals, resulting in decreased engagement and fundraising.  

The reasons for need fatigue are varied and often different for individual donors versus corporate donors.  

For individual donors, the persistent exposure to need-focused narratives with ever increasing urgency makes donors feel inundated and often powerless to make a difference, no matter their level of giving.  

Corporate need fatigue is somewhat different, as its ties to giving are directly related to business development strategies. In an increasingly polarized society, corporate donors are finding that cause marketing carries the risk of alienating certain potential customers.  

Inbloom monitors trends nationally through our research and professional network while also having our “ear to the ground” with our client projects. With decades of experience in fundraising success, it has enabled us to forecast need fatigue and counsel clients on how to adapt faster.  

While our approach is customized to serve individual client needs, the checklist below are three key principles any nonprofit organization can explore to combat need fatigue in 2024:   

Marketing & Communications 

• Is your messaging strategically diverse? Are each of your target audiences in mind when you craft and distribute your messaging?  

• Are you balancing emotionally charged, need-focused appeals with success stories focused on donor impact?  

Tip: Your marketing should be well integrated with fundraising to ensure success.  

Fund Development 

• Have you identified your Very Important Donors, and do you have a plan to engage them in the organization's success moments that are made possible thanks to them? This links giving and donor gifts directly to positive results, increasing energy and decreasing fatigue. 

• How are you involving donors beyond monetary donations to create a feeling of shared ownership in mission success? Stakeholder activities focused on positive momentum can create buy-in for your mission because it is the opposite of focusing on need only.  

Tip: If you need to reconnect with your Very Important Donors, consider staging a stewardship interview project as a mini-feasibility study. The effort helps spur on new gift conversations by uncovering what your donors care about now. 

Strategic Planning 

• Is your strategic plan current and are you using it to engage donors in your mission with a compelling vision for the future? 

Tip: Develop a full brochure featuring your strategic plan and post it on your website.   

If your organization is experiencing less engagement from donors resulting in a decrease in support, it could be a symptom of need fatigue. Contact us for a consultation and to determine a course of action to return your organization to fundraising success.