Empowering Your Org’s Mission Through Tech Strategy
You change the world. We optimize the tools that get you there.
Whether you’re on a nonprofit, education organization, or healthcare philanthropy team, we understand the unique challenges you face—and the importance of achieving impact.
Our team partners with you to develop and implement technologies and strategies aligned with your goals, ensuring you have the right tools and roadmap to make your vision a reality.
TRUSTED BY LEADING ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING
Organizations We Serve
What We Do
From building a new strategic vision to future-proofing your current approach, Heller is here to guide you. We provide holistic technology implementation and strategy tailored to the social impact sector, complete with clear roadmaps and hands-on support to secure your long-term success.
Not sure where to start with Salesforce’s nonprofit tools? As a certified Salesforce partner, we bring the specialized expertise required to cut through the noise and unlock the platform’s full potential for your fundraising and programs.
If you’re built on Microsoft, we help you capitalize on the software your staff already uses daily. By creating custom solutions in Dynamics 365 and Power Apps, we help you transform a standard Microsoft tech stack into a connected infrastructure built for fundraising success.
Navigate the evolving Blackbaud landscape with confidence. Backed by 30 years of experience, we modernize workflows and seamlessly bridge Raiser’s Edge with Microsoft and other modern tech ecosystems.
Scale your major giving and higher-ed advancement efforts stress-free. We manage the end-to-end implementation of Kindsight Ascend, adapting its architecture to support your specific donor cultivation and alumni engagement strategies.
Don’t let disconnected databases, duplicate records, and poor hygiene hold your mission back. From complex multi-system migrations to establishing clear data governance, we help you transform siloed information into a reliable source of truth.
Boost your internal capacity with ongoing, embedded managed services. Whether you need an interim Chief Information Officer (CIO), regular system updates, custom enhancements, or guidance on adopting AI, we ensure your infrastructure grows with you.
Your Campaigns Deserve the Right Donor Data
Unify your donor data, build better segments, and send the right message at the right time. Get started with our purpose-built donor data management tool.
Real organizations, real results
Humane Society Silicon Valley
Humane Society Silicon Valley’s disconnected systems prevented them from scaling marketing efforts and gaining a complete, unified view of their constituents. Team Heller stepped in, developing a technology roadmap and implementing a seamlessly connected ecosystem centered on Salesforce CRM and Pardot. Now, the nonprofit leverages a 360-degree view of its data to deliver highly personalized adoption journeys, streamline crisis communications, and efficiently manage surges in volunteer or adoption interest.
HealthPartners
With its eight hospital foundations using their own siloed CRM solutions, HealthPartners struggled with operational inefficiencies and duplicated fundraising efforts. Heller led the organization through strategic discovery to build a shared technology vision and select a unified CRM. HealthPartners now has a clear, confident plan to implement a single shared system that aligns all eight foundations while allowing them to continue serving their communities.
Loyola University Chicago
Loyola University Chicago’s advancement team was held back by a legacy CRM that lacked the reporting and data-integration capabilities needed to meet its ambitious fundraising goals. Team Heller stepped in to lead a custom Salesforce and Kindsight Ascend implementation, handling data migration, system configuration, and user training. Now equipped with an integrated CRM featuring custom donor and event portals, Loyola has streamlined its complex gift processing and unlocked powerful new donor engagement strategies.
What sets Heller Consulting apart
Mission-driven focus
We know the corporate model doesn’t fit mission-driven orgs. Heller exclusively works with nonprofits, cause-and-cure organizations, and educational institutions. With 30 years of experience in fundraising tech, we understand the unique challenges you face and help you achieve your tech goals and drive the impact your mission needs.
People-first approach
Too many tech implementations fail because the full team isn’t on board. Heller works closely with your entire team to ensure alignment and confidence. By integrating thoughtful change management practices into every step, we ensure your new technology empowers the staff who power your mission.Team Heller understands how mission-driven organizations work, and we build our approach around it. Regardless of your team’s tech experience or comfort, rest assured that we know what works for nonprofits and will apply this expertise to your unique situation.
Proven track record
Since 1996, we’ve kept pace closely with the mission-driven tech space. We’ll help you set goals, select the right solution, implement it, and track your team-wide progress. If you need a service we don’t already offer, we upskill to meet your needs—because we understand the care and hard work your cause deserves.
Heller Consulting FAQs
What are the nuances of mission-driven tech strategy?
For nonprofit tech strategy, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t fly. You might run into these distinct challenges when designing or executing your strategy:
- Disconnected departments. Fundraising, marketing, and program teams can end up using completely different software that doesn’t integrate. A good strategy focuses on bridging those gaps so everyone is working from the same accurate information.
- Mission-critical stakes. Real people depend on your work, and tech strategy has to enhance it, not distract from it. Tech implementation takes time, meaning you have to plan well to safely transition staff away from old habits without disrupting daily operations.
- Reliance on general tools. Standard business software isn’t designed to handle nonprofit-specific workflows, such as processing tax-deductible receipts, complex grant tracking, or donor cultivation cycles. A nuanced strategy involves knowing how to configure and customize the tools available for the unique work of your organization.
- Budget constraints. Mission-driven orgs try to put as much money towards achieving their missions as possible. General tech vendors might offer enterprise solutions—at enterprise pricing. Mission-driven orgs need to find a tech provider that can work with their specific budget and create an intentional, accessible action plan.
Our team is resistant to learning new software. How do you ensure they actually use it?
Even the best software for your needs is useless if your staff won’t adopt it. That’s why our people-first approach includes change management in every phase of a project, and Team Heller actively involves your team from day one. Our approach includes:
- Implementation readiness. This initial step involves auditing your current systems, establishing a launch plan and timeline, forming dedicated change management teams, and proactively assessing potential risks.
- User adoption and launch strategy. During this phase, the focus shifts to executing the launch plan. This involves tailoring communication strategies, delivering role-based training programs, and providing hands-on support so stakeholders are fully prepared for the transition.
- Enablement and stabilization. After the new technology goes live, Heller provides post-launch support to help your organization adjust to the change. We troubleshoot emerging issues and serve as an ongoing resource to ensure your staff can confidently use the new tools for long-term success.
What types of organizations does Heller Consulting work with?
For three decades, Heller has worked exclusively with nonprofits, education, and healthcare institutions. Unlike other general vendors, we don’t need to adapt business-facing strategies for a nonprofit setting; we get straight to building the technology that supports your goals.
What platforms do you work with?
We are deeply experienced, certified experts in industry-leading platforms like Salesforce, Microsoft, and Raiser’s Edge. We begin our technology implementation and strategy services by understanding your specific goals and challenges, then help you evaluate and select the right tools for your mission. Heller can help, whether you need to optimize the stack you already have or a partner to guide you through a system migration. And if you need something we don’t already offer, our experts will upskill to meet you where you are.
What happens after our new technology goes live?
A successful launch is just the beginning of your digital transformation. We offer ongoing technical support, proactive system updates, and continuous strategic guidance. Whether you need us to build custom features, train new staff, or even serve as an interim CIO, we act as a dedicated extension of your team so your tech scales right alongside your mission.
Ready to Get Started?
Your mission deserves the best technology strategy. Let’s work together to create a plan that not only meets your current needs but also sets you up for future success. Get in touch about how we can support your success.