Burgan Advancement Consulting

07/14/2026

Every new AI tool promises instant insights the moment you connect your data. For organizations with clean, well-governed databases, that's basically true. For everyone else, the AI doesn't fix what's already broken; it just amplifies it and hands it back looking a lot more official than it should.

New blog post is up: why database structure matters more now that AI and third-party integrations are involved, plus eight practices worth building into your governance this year. There's also a free template in there for mapping your own data flows.

Check it out: https://blog.burganadvancement.com/p/ai-tools-and-integrations-don-t-fix-data-problems-they-amplify-them

Tell us in the comments: what's the one field in your database you're most nervous about an AI tool getting its hands on?

Integrations are pipes, not filters. Discover why messy CRM data leads to confidently wrong AI insights that your leadership might act on.

06/23/2026

It's the end of the fiscal year, which means database managers everywhere are buried under LYBUNT lists and progress-to-goal reports while everyone else starts their vacations.

New post on Good Data, Better Fundraising: a few annual database cleanup tasks worth knocking out before fall hits — static queries, table cleanup, campaign/fund/appeal deactivation, and more.

Don't let legacy data slow your team down. Learn how to clean your tables, deactivate past campaigns, and prep your system for peak fall fundraising season.

05/20/2026

Yesterday, Blackbaud sent a communication stating that starting July 1, 2026, online donation forms in Raiser's Edge NXT, eTapestry, NetCommunity, and Online Express will incur a new transaction fee.

The May issue of RE: Fundraising has a full breakdown — which platforms are affected, your coverage options, and a few practical notes for organizations processing large gifts or still running legacy forms. Worth a read before July 1 sneaks up on you.

https://blog.burganadvancement.com/p/may-2026-re-fundraising

05/08/2026

Blackbaud product update season is here, and there's a lot to unpack for Raiser's Edge NXT users.

The highlights: tabbed constituent records are coming, Bulk Edit is replacing Global Change, and the batch grid in Unified View is getting a real upgrade.

Plus: the Database View sunset date is confirmed. Late summer 2027, after June 30, aka your fiscal year-end push.

A full breakdown on what's available now, what's coming soon, and what's further out: May 2026 Good Data, Better Fundraising: https://blog.burganadvancement.com/p/it-s-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year

This is the first post in a new blog called Good Data, Better Fundraising. Each month, I’ll dive into the details of database management best practices. https://burganadvancement.com/

04/28/2026

The first issue of RE: Fundraising went out today — a monthly newsletter on Blackbaud Raiser's Edge NXT for fundraising and advancement teams at schools and nonprofits.

Every issue breaks down the latest product updates for Raiser's Edge NXT and what they mean for your day-to-day work. Short, practical, and skippable if you already know everything. (You don't. None of us do.)

Subscribe here: https://burganadvancement.com/

03/17/2026

Big news! I am officially the Blackbaud Partner Network. If your school or nonprofit uses Blackbaud products, you can now find my consulting services listed in the Blackbaud Marketplace.

My goal has always been to champion the incredible work of small to mid-sized nonprofits and schools. By specializing in Raiser's Edge NXT, I help your team simplify complex data so you can get back to what matters most—connecting with your donors and growing your mission.

If you're looking for a partner to help streamline your operations or boost your annual giving, let's connect! Visit my website (link in comments) to see how we can work together.