The Common Good Data Podcast
The podcast for nonprofit and public sector leaders looking to use data and evaluation strategies to build effective and sustainable programs in the areas of prevention, mental health, human services, and education.
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Telling the story of the impact of your organization is critical to gaining support—from volunteers to donors to multi-year grants. But using data to show your impact can be challenging.
Learn how the best organizations build a culture of data that impresses funders, wins competitive grants, and changes the lives of individuals and communities.
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Drew Reynolds
Cohost
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Roger Suclupe
Cohost
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Listen to past renditions of the podcast:
What Nonprofits Should Learn from the $2B SAMHSA Cuts
In early 2026, I watched nearly $2 billion in proposed cuts to SAMHSA funding send shockwaves through the mental health and substance use field. Organizations lost grants. Staff lost jobs. Longstanding programs appeared to end overnight. Then, within 24 hours, the funding was reinstated.
In this episode, I reflect on how nonprofit and social sector leaders can learn from that moment and use nonpartisan strategies for advocacy. I share three core lessons that I believe every organization needs to internalize in the current funding environment.
Executive Orders Update: Uncertain Future for Nonprofits
Federal funding for nonprofits is in flux.
A recent White House memo led to a freeze on funding, only for a federal judge to put it on hold. Meanwhile, key public health datasets disappeared, with some now being reinstated.
What does this mean for nonprofits relying on federal support?
In this episode, we break down the latest legal battles, agency shifts, and what nonprofits can do to stay ahead.
Impact of Executive Orders on Nonprofits: What You Need to Know
In the first weeks of the new administration, a series of executive orders have introduced significant policy changes affecting nonprofits.
These cover areas like diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), gender and LGBTQ+ rights, international aid, and immigration.
It raises critical questions about compliance, funding stability, and long-term program sustainability.
In this episode, Drew breaks down what these changes mean for nonprofit organizations connected to these areas and how they can adapt.
Community Organizing in Behavioral Health with Kristin Kidd
Behavioral health issues are closely linked to larger social and environmental factors.
That’s why it’s so important for communities to come together and find sustainable solutions.
For those in human services, mental health, or prevention work, it’s easy to focus solely on programs and services.
However, advancing your mission often involves looking beyond these to embrace advocacy, systems change, and environmental strategies.
Joining us is Kristin Kidd, co-coordinator of the SAMHSA-funded Southeast Prevention Technology Transfer Center and director of the North Carolina Behavioral Health Equity Initiative.