As an Apparo volunteer, Marshall Worth helps nonprofits make data work for their mission.
Marshall Worth, nonprofit data strategist and CEO and co-founder of The Data Bull, has brought his love of problem-solving to several Apparo volunteer engagements, helping nonprofits better understand their data, improve their processes, and build stronger foundations for mission growth.
Through Apparo, Marshall has supported nonprofits through Tech Therapy and Community Impact Projects, including work with Health Empowers, City Startup Labs, Children’s Flight of Hope, and other organizations navigating the challenge of turning scattered information into useful insights. For Marshall, the work is meaningful because it pairs his professional expertise with the chance to help nonprofits focus more time and energy on the people and communities they serve.
“It’s been a good opportunity, and that’s what keeps me coming back,” Marshall said. “I can hop on, hear what they’re doing, and help problem solve, which I love doing.”
Finding Value in Skilled Volunteering
When Marshall first connected with Apparo, he was looking for ways to get involved with the local nonprofit community. What began as an opportunity to share his skills soon became a rewarding volunteer experience that helped him see the value of his own expertise in a new way.
“I was very nervous at first,” Marshall said. “I wondered how I was going to be able to help anybody. But it’s validating to realize, yes, I do have skills that others need. It helps me feel like this work is important. It’s not just something I like doing.”
One project that stood out to Marshall was a Community Impact Project with Health Empowers. Working alongside other skilled volunteers, Marshall helped the organization think through its data strategy and identify a phased path forward. The experience was especially meaningful because it gave him the chance to collaborate with a team again.
“It was extremely enjoyable to be on a team,” Marshall said. “To be among two other very bright individuals, collaborating and thinking through how we were going to solve the challenge, was very rewarding.”
Helping Nonprofits Make Better Use of Data
Much of Marshall’s volunteer work through Apparo has focused on data strategy. He often helps nonprofits assess what tools they are using, how information is being collected, and where systems or processes may be making their work harder than it needs to be.
“A lot of the work begins by understanding where a nonprofit is in its life cycle and asking questions like, where are you now, what programs are you using, how are you collecting data, and how can we help you think about it differently?” Marshall said.
For many organizations, the challenge is not a lack of information. It is that information may live in several different spreadsheets, tools, or systems that do not easily connect. Marshall helps nonprofits take a step back, look at the whole picture, and identify realistic next steps that fit their capacity.
In his recent work with City Startup Labs, Marshall helped the organization think through how to connect survey data and tell a fuller story about the people they serve. His recommendations included strategies for creating a master structure for data, capturing consistent information, and planning for long-term maintenance.
“They know their services are making an impact,” Marshall said. “The question is, now that we have all this data, how do we tell the full story?”
A Greater Appreciation for Nonprofit Realities
Volunteering with Apparo has also changed the way Marshall thinks about technology solutions for nonprofits. He shared that every organization is different, and the right recommendation is not always the biggest or most complex system. Often, the best solution is the one a nonprofit can realistically use, maintain, and build upon.
“It’s never one-size-fits-all,” Marshall said. “You really have to be flexible with the solutions you offer. Apparo has helped me have a greater appreciation for where nonprofits really are and what they can do with the limited resources they have.”
One of the most meaningful examples for Marshall has been his ongoing work with Children’s Flight of Hope, a Raleigh-based nonprofit that provides flights for children who need medical care. As the organization grows, technology and data improvements can help staff manage increasing demand and stay focused on their mission.
“Their mission is to grow,” Marshall said. “So it’s exciting to help figure out how technology can support that growth.”
Why Marshall Recommends Volunteering with Apparo
For professionals considering skilled volunteering, Marshall strongly recommends getting involved with Apparo. He enjoys the unique challenges that nonprofits bring and appreciates the opportunity to apply his skills in ways that can create real capacity for mission-driven organizations.
“I recommend Apparo 100%,” Marshall said. “I love problem solving, and Apparo provides interesting and unique challenges. With nonprofits, you have to think differently. You have to consider what they can support long term, and that creates a really meaningful environment to work in.”
“Marshall is such a gift to Apparo,” Jennifer Ray, Director of Technology Engagements at Apparo shared, “His ability to turn data into meaningful insight is an incredible asset, but even more meaningful is his willingness to share his time and expertise with generosity, patience, and a genuine belief in the mission we serve.”
Marshall plans to continue volunteering with Apparo as opportunities arise. His commitment reflects the power of skilled volunteering: when professionals share their expertise, nonprofits gain practical tools, thoughtful guidance, and more capacity to advance their missions.
“I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent with Apparo,” Marshall said. “I’m excited to continue on.”
