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.

10/18/2025

Why Fundraisers Need AI's Logic, Not Just Its Copywriting! 🧠

Let's be honest: AI writing a first draft of a social post is helpful, but it won't transform your workday. Using AI as a logic engine to automate complex admin and strategic planning will.

This article dives into the deep productivity gains you can unlock—from low-code automation to turning a messy data report into a clean, executive summary in seconds. Stop wasting time on tedious tasks!

Fundraisers: The real value of AI is not in copywriting. See the roadmap for using GenAI to transform administrative data and strategic planning.

10/09/2025

Happy playoff baseball season to all those who celebrate! 🎉⚾🎉

Sports aren’t just entertainment—they’re part of the city’s identity.

That passion is something fundraisers can’t afford to ignore. Whether it’s planning around a playoff game or leaning into the energy of a championship run, being mindful of local sports schedules can make or break your campaign strategy.

Here are four reasons why fundraisers should keep an eye on the sports calendar and how it can help maximize engagement and avoid common pitfalls.

Four reasons fundraisers should be following their professional home teams, and how it can help them raise more

10/03/2025

Introducing Burgan Advancement Consulting – advancing missions with strategy, data, and heart.

After years of working alongside mission-driven organizations, I’ve seen firsthand how the right systems and strategies can unlock potential and amplify impact. My new consulting business is dedicated to helping nonprofits and institutions strengthen their operations, harness their data, and build sustainable solutions that support their teams and advance their missions.

What I bring to the table:
🔹 Deep experience with optimizing fundraising systems
🔹13+ years of experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT
🔹 A collaborative, solutions-focused approach tailored to each client’s unique goals

I’m looking forward to partnering with organizations that want to work smarter, streamline their systems, and set themselves up for long-term success.

If you know of a nonprofit or institution navigating system transitions, database optimization, or change management challenges, I’d love to connect.

Please reach out or share my name with anyone who could benefit from support in this space.

Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting work ahead!

10/03/2025

Introducing Burgan Advancement Consulting--advancing missions with strategy, data, and heart.

After years of working in advancement and development, I’ve seen how the right strategies, systems, and tools can transform the way organizations connect with their communities and grow their impact. That’s exactly what I’ll be helping schools and nonprofits do.

I’m excited to offer support with:
🔹 Advancement strategy
🔹 Systems optimization
🔹 Blackbaud Raiser's Edge Consulting

This new chapter is about helping mission-driven organizations do their best work—and I can’t wait to get started. 💡

👉 Follow along here for insights, tips, and updates as I build this new venture!