Non-profit organizations rely on accurate, trustworthy, and well-managed data to strengthen donor relationships, measure impact, and drive mission-focused decisions. Yet many organizations struggle to maintain clean, reliable CRM data while also engaging users across departments who have varying levels of data literacy. This session explores how to build, mature, and sustain a successful data governance program tailored specifically to the unique needs and constraints of the non-profit sector.

Attendees will learn a practical framework for developing data governance from the ground up—starting with establishing roles and responsibilities, defining data standards, and implementing clear policies that scale as the organization grows. We will discuss common challenges such as siloed data ownership, inconsistent data entry practices, and system complexities, along with solutions that fit the realities of non-profit staffing and resources.

A major focus will be effective user outreach: how to gain buy‑in, build a data‑aware culture, and inspire cross-team adoption of governance practices. Through real-world examples, we’ll cover training strategies, communication plans, feedback loops, and techniques that empower users rather than overwhelm them.

By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable tools and templates for launching or advancing their own CRM data governance initiatives—ensuring higher data quality, improved user confidence, and better organizational decision-making.