Most fundraising analytics functions don't fail because the tools are wrong. They stall because sustaining them gets treated as a one-time project rather than an ongoing operational commitment. This session shows how small and mid-sized Canadian charities can build durable analytical visibility using systems they already own.
This session presents practical, low-budget models for building an in-house analytics function using Raiser's Edge NXT, Power BI, Power Automate, Excel, and low-cost AI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
Organised around two staffing models — an RE DBA with roughly 20% BI time, and a dedicated 0.5–1 FTE analyst with Power BI Pro — the session maps what each model can realistically deliver across operational reporting, donor analytics, forecasting, and automation, and is explicit about where outside consulting support adds genuine value versus where internal ownership is fully achievable.
The session closes with a focused overview of capable free tools outside the Microsoft ecosystem.
Learning Outcomes:
- Practical examples including donor stewardship automation, executive dashboards, forecasting with Excel Solver, and AI-assisted reporting.
Stream: Data Analytics & Insights
Format: Breakout Session
Ideal Industries: Animal Welfare & the Environment; Arts & Museums; Community Services; Healthcare; Higher Education; International Aid; and Religious