Devon Ironside

Devon Ironside works at American Philanthropic, a consulting firm whose mission is to strengthen civil society by improving the effectiveness of charitable foundations and nonprofit organizations. He received a B.A. in history from Arizona State University, was a Fellow at ASU’s Center for Political Thoughts and Leadership, and has IT and fundraising database management experience. He lives in Phoenix and is originally from Canada.
How’s your nonprofit’s database? 6 questions you need to ask yourself

Toss the spreadsheets in the trash. If your database makes you feel like Theseus navigating the Labyrinth, then it’s time for a change.

platform
Everyone’s database sucks: part four (the finale)

Once you’ve investigated the first three questions about friction in your database—perceptions, people, and processes—it’s finally time to consider the platform itself. Here is part four of “Everybody’s database sucks.”

Everyone’s database sucks: part three

Maybe the problem with your database isn’t the database. It’s you—and how you’re doing things. Have you reviewed your database processes recently?

database people
Everyone’s database sucks: part two

It’s true for your database, too: you need the right people doing the right job. Here’s how to get “people” right on the database side of things.

database sucks
Everyone’s database sucks: part one

You probably feel it, too: “my database sucks.” Here are the four reasons databases suck—and what to do about it. The first in a four-part series.

database reports development success fundraising
Data during COVID: the most useful database reports for development success

Smart fundraising requires knowledge of the field, good judgment, and having the right tools and information at your disposal. Here are the reports you need—especially now—for development success.

Sticks and straw: building a database to support you in crisis

In times of crisis, decisions must be made quickly and accurately—but a poor database makes this difficult if not impossible. It is essential—crisis or no—to have a useful and well-used database.

4 key elements for communicating successfully with your donors

The key elements to separate your wheat from the competition’s chaff when communicating with donors through mail.