How a Global Nonprofit Got Its System (and Teams) Back on Track
A case study in stabilizing systems, restoring trust, and creating sustainable progress.
Client Snapshot
Organization: CARE USA (learn more about CARE)
Organization Type: Global humanitarian nonprofit
Size: Large organization with multiple departments and distributed teams (over 5,000 people globally)
System: Salesforce - used for tracking donors, fundraising, advocacy, and relationships
ABS Role: System leadership and strategic advisory
The Situation
CARE USA rolled out a new system to improve donor and fundraising data management.
Instead, it created overwhelm.
More than 300 unresolved requests from the original setup were still open. Staff across departments were unclear on how the system was supposed to work, frustrated by inconsistent processes, and losing confidence in the tool.
Critical teams—especially those entering donations and supporting fundraising—were relying on workarounds just to keep up.
At the same time, the internal system leader burned out and resigned, leaving a major leadership gap at a critical moment.
Why This Mattered
This wasn’t just a technology issue. It affected how people worked every day.
Staff spent excessive time fixing problems instead of doing meaningful work
Donation entry and reporting were slower and harder to trust
Frustration increased, raising burnout risk
Leadership lacked reliable data to guide decisions
A significant CRM investment risked becoming a system that people avoided
Without intervention, instability and declining trust would continue.
How ABS Helped
Anchored Business Strategies stepped in with a clear priority: stabilize first, improve second.
Rather than reacting to every urgent request, we slowed things down to restore clarity:
Listened to teams across departments to understand root issues
Separated what was unclear from what truly needed fixing
Shifted conversations from constant emergencies to shared priorities
The goal wasn’t just fewer requests—it was renewed confidence in the system.
What We Did
Spoke directly with stakeholders to understand pain points and adoption barriers
Created a clear, realistic plan for improving the system over the year
Organized and prioritized 300+ open requests into manageable work
Established a simple, consistent way for staff to submit requests and get support
Cleaned up duplicate and confusing records to reduce daily frustration
Partnered with internal teams and trusted vendors to deliver improvements
Held regular check-ins to keep progress visible and aligned
The Results
Open issues reduced from 300+ to 51 within one year
Donation entry became faster, smoother, and less stressful
Reports became more accurate and easier to trust
Staff knew where to go for help and what to expect
Confidence in the system was restored across teams
Most importantly, CARE USA moved from reactive firefighting to steady, planned progress.
Why This Worked
This engagement succeeded because the focus wasn’t just on fixing a system.
By prioritizing people and process before technology, CARE USA was able to:
Deliver early wins that rebuilt trust
Reduce overwhelm without overcomplicating solutions
Create a sustainable way of working teams could maintain
The system finally supported the work, instead of getting in the way.
If This Sounds Familiar
If your system feels overwhelming, underused, or held together by workarounds, you’re not alone.
You don’t need another tool or a quick fix.
You need clarity, structure, and leadership your team can trust.
Anchored Business Strategies helps nonprofits and professional services teams stabilize their systems, align their people, and move forward with confidence.
Let’s talk!
