The Common Good Data Podcast

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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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A man sitting at a wooden table in an office, engaged in a video call on his laptop, with papers, a coffee mug, a smartphone, and a microphone on the table. He is wearing a black jacket with the words 'COMMON GOOD DATA' on it.

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.

  • A man wearing a maroon jacket over a white, checkered shirt, smiling outdoors with blurred trees and houses in the background.

    Drew Reynolds

    Cohost

  • Portrait of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a blue and white checkered shirt, standing in front of colorful abstract wall art.

    Roger Suclupe

    Cohost

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Listen to past renditions of the podcast:

The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds

What This Year Taught Me About Evaluation

In this special year-end episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, I share 12 evaluation reflections for the new year, inspired by The 12 Days of Christmas. As we wrap up the year, I wanted to slow things down and reflect on what I’ve been learning and what I hope to carry into my data and evaluation work in 2026.

Throughout the episode, I talk about why it’s so important to rediscover your “why”, listen before measuring, and simplify your data practices so they actually support your mission instead of overwhelming your team. I also reflect on the balance between stories and statistics, and why meaningful evaluation always needs both to truly communicate impact.

I share thoughts on prioritizing data use over data collection, approaching evaluation as a learner rather than a prover, and re-centering equity by sharing power in how we define success. Along the way, I emphasize building relationships around data, celebrating small wins, and investing in your team’s capacity so evaluation becomes a source of learning and growth — not frustration.

I close the episode with a reminder to lead with hope. Even in a challenging year, evaluation can help us make sense of change, stay grounded in purpose, and imagine what’s possible as we move into the year ahead.

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The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds The Common Good Data Podcast Drew Reynolds

Building Relationships with Funders with Bill Crouch

How do you build real, lasting relationships with funders — the kind that go beyond the grant cycle?

In this episode of the Common Good Data Podcast, host Drew Reynolds sits down with Bill Crouch, President of BrightDot Fundraising Advisors, to talk about the human side of fundraising. Bill shares why fundraising is not just about money — it’s about meaning, trust, and impact.

Together, they unpack what it looks like to connect authentically with funders, align your mission with donor purpose, and communicate the difference your work truly makes. You’ll also hear practical advice on how to approach funder conversations, sustain relationships, and bridge the gap between impact and investment.

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