Harnessing the Power of Data and Analytics in Fundraising

Introduction:

Welcome to the Cause Leadership Podcast with host Dave Hutchinson. In this episode, Dave is joined by Allen Davidov. 

 

Allen is the Senior Vice President, Sales Practice & Marketing Leader at Environics Analytics, where he focuses on the not-for-profit, energy, transportation, and public sectors. With nearly two decades of experience in marketing, analytics, and fundraising, Allen has a proven track record of helping organizations unlock the value of information for smarter decision-making and strategic growth.

 

Before his role at Environics Analytics, Allen led impactful marketing and fundraising initiatives at esteemed organizations like the Sinai Health Foundation and Habitat for Humanity GTA, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Ontario Region, St. John’s Rehab Hospital Foundation at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and North York General Hospital Foundation.

 

He’s not only a dedicated professional in his field but also an active contributor to the community, serving on the Canadian Marketing Association’s Not-For-Profit Council, volunteering with the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, and a member of Seneca College’s Marketing Advisory Council.

 

Allen holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool, a Bachelor of Commerce from Toronto Metropolitan University, and a Creative Advertising diploma from Centennial College, and a Chartered Marketer certificate from the Canadian Marketing Association, showcasing his commitment to excellence in marketing.

Summary:

In this insightful episode, Dave sits down with Allen to explore his career journey through the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities facing emerging leaders in the charitable space, focusing on how they can make a meaningful impact.

 

• Importance of Mentorship: Allen emphasizes the significance of mentorship in personal and professional development, especially for those entering the nonprofit field.
  
• Data Analytics in Nonprofits: Dave and Allen discuss the pivotal role of data analytics in understanding donor behaviors and refining fundraising strategies.
  
• Canada Helps Giving Report Insights: Key takeaways from the report are examined, including the decline in donor numbers and evolving giving behaviors, prompting charities to rethink their approaches.
• Connecting with Donors: The importance of personal connections with donors is highlighted, with a focus on effective messaging and visual cues to engage and retain attention.
• Talent Shifts: The conversation addresses the shifting talent landscape in the charitable sector and the emerging opportunities for young professionals.
• Partnerships for Impact:  Allen discusses the importance of collaborations between charities and corporations, particularly regarding sustainability and social impact initiatives.
• Reasons for Hope in the Charitable Sector:  The episode wraps up with a reflection on the rewarding nature of working in the nonprofit sector and the critical need for career development and mentorship.
  
  

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:13 Challenges and Opportunities for Emerging Leaders

15:18 Environics Analytics and Data Analytics in the Nonprofit Sector

22:11 Key Takeaways from the CanadaHelps Giving Report

27:00 Rethinking Fundraising Strategies and Building Connections

30:27 Understanding Donor Base and Connecting to Their Values

32:19 Talent Shifts and Opportunities in the Charitable Sector

46:23 Partnerships for Sustainability and Social Impact

51:43 Investing in Career Development and Mentorship in the Sector

Resources Mentioned:

Canada Helps Giving Report:  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/the-giving-report/ 

Environics Analytics: https://environicsanalytics.com/en-ca/home 

 

Connect with Allen:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allendavidov 

E-mail: [email protected]