Skilled volunteers identified Bloomerang as a sustainable solution for NAMI Wake County to manage nonprofit data allowing for more time to focus on their mission.
Sponsored and delivered by Accenture
NAMI Wake County is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, serving Raleigh and the 11 other municipalities that make up the county. They offer free programs to support individuals and families affected by mental illness, including support groups and mental health education. They are also strong advocates for mental health awareness, education and research.
NAMI needed assistance managing their donor and volunteer data. They were using multiple processes and spreadsheets to keep their data, making it difficult to find accurate information for communications, volunteer applications and training, as well as fundraising and grant efforts. NAMI did research prior to their experience with Apparo and decided to implement Bloomerang and began to use it for their donor management. As a winner of the 2024 Triangle Area Mission Possible Award Program, they decided to explore volunteer management processes and applications.
Skilled Volunteers from Accenture helped create strategies for ongoing data accuracy
With a team of skilled volunteers from Accenture, an assessment of NAMI’s current state was conducted, and volunteer management systems were researched. The team validated that Bloomerang would be the best solution for their volunteer data management. Volunteers also assisted NAMI with their volunteer data cleanup and helped create strategies to ensure ongoing data accuracy.
With the implementation of Bloomerang, NAMI now has a central location for volunteer information, freeing up time and resources to focus on their mission. The mass communication function of Bloomerang will keep all volunteers engaged and active within the organization. The opt-in forms feature will allow volunteers to fill out information on their skills, allowing easier matching to the right programs and making sure all volunteers are properly trained.
NAMI anticipates an increase in revenue from implementing Bloomerang. By better managing their volunteer data, they can easily and accurately pull information needed to apply for grants. They can also use this data to put together more attractive pitches to potential funders. Mark Simon, Executive Director of NAMI Wake County, states, “We recently met with a potential sponsor and the entire process was simpler and the final pitch was really meaningful. We are really thankful for that.”
Nonprofit strengthens ability to fulfill mission with new technology tool.
NAMI’s programs are run by volunteers, so having accurate information on volunteers’ skills and training is essential. Simon states, “having this foundation in place will allow us to grow our volunteer core, which will directly allow us to serve more people and provide more programs.”
NAMI believes they will be able to expand their services with better volunteer management and easier grant application processes. One goal they are excited about is implementing a new youth mental health initiative through the Wake County Public School System. Their goal is to expand program offerings by 20% in the next year, and with the addition of Bloomerang, they feel confident they can meet this goal.
One year later: How Mission Possible is strengthening nonprofit impact through technology and partnership.
One year after Apparo’s Mission Possible Community Impact Project with NAMI, we checked how technology, data, and partnership have strengthened donor engagement, improved efficiency, and driven long-term growth.
A Year of Progress and Reflection
One year after completing the Mission Possible Community Impact Project, Apparo reconnected with NAMI to understand how their investment in technology and support has translated into real-world impact. As NAMI continues to navigate a complex nonprofit landscape, their team has leveraged new tools and processes to build stronger internal systems and deepen engagement with donors and volunteers. Reflecting on the journey, NAMI Director Mark Simon shared that “we are light years ahead of where we were before this work with Apparo and our volunteers” just two years ago, a powerful testament to how intentional technology investments can unlock growth and efficiency.
From Spreadsheets to Systems: Building a Stronger Data Foundation
Before the project, NAMI relied heavily on spreadsheets and manual processes to manage donor and volunteer data. This fragmented approach limited visibility, slowed reporting, and created operational strain. Today, with the implementation of Bloomerang, NAMI has established a centralized system that enables better data management, improved reporting, and more consistent communication.
The transition has not been without its challenges. Data cleanup and integration required sustained effort, and uncovering previously unknown data sources added complexity. Still, progress has been significant. Simon noted that from a donor standpoint, “we’re in good shape,” with communication tools, donor journeys, and system features now actively supporting their development efforts. This shift has allowed the team to move away from manual work and toward more strategic engagement. Instead of relying on disconnected files and time-consuming processes, staff can now access donor histories, track communications, and generate reports in one place.
Efficiency Gains that Create Real Capacity
One of the most immediate impacts has been the time saved through automation and streamlined workflows. Tasks that once required manual effort are now executed with a few clicks, freeing staff to focus on mission-driven work. For example, NAMI can now generate tax acknowledgement letters directly within the system, eliminating the need for manual mail merges. As Simon described, “we just had to create the template in Bloomerang and hit a button, and then it did all the merging,” a change that has significantly reduced administrative burden.
These automated touchpoints ensure that donors receive timely communications throughout the year. By reducing time spent on manual processes, NAMI can focus more energy on delivering programs and serving their community.
Strengthening Donor Engagement and Insight
With improved systems in place, NAMI is gaining better visibility into donor behavior and engagement. The platform allows staff across roles to independently access information, reducing reliance on internal back-and-forth communication. Simon emphasized that team members can now easily find donor records, review communication history, and follow up as needed. This level of transparency supports faster decision-making and more personalized outreach, both critical for effective fundraising.
The Power of Partnership and Learning
Beyond technology, the Mission Possible program created opportunities for connection, collaboration, and long-term impact. Through this engagement, NAMI built strong relationships with partners and even gained a new board member who was an Accenture volunteer, demonstrating how these projects can extend well beyond their initial scope. The process of defining needs, exploring solutions, and implementing change sparked momentum that continues to drive progress today.
Looking Ahead: Building on Momentum
One year later, the impact of the Mission Possible Community Impact Project is clear. NAMI has strengthened its data infrastructure, improved operational efficiency, and enhanced donor engagement, all while laying the groundwork for continued growth. With a stronger foundation and a commitment to continuous improvement, NAMI is well positioned to expand its impact in the years ahead. For Apparo, stories like this reinforce the value of investing in both technology and partnership. When nonprofits are equipped with the right tools and support, they can operate more effectively, engage their communities more deeply, and ultimately advance their missions with greater impact.
