~/utak-west/projects/higherself
[CASE_STUDY]~/higherself
>cat ./README.md
[Nonprofit]

From Spreadsheet Chaos to Nonprofit OS

How a growing nonprofit scaled to 5,000+ services with integrated operations

>./context

[CLIENT]

HigherSelf is a nonprofit serving underserved communities with wellness services, mentorship, and resource connection across multiple cities.

[CHALLENGE]

Scale operations from 2 cities to 5 while maintaining quality and volunteer satisfaction.

[TIMELINE]

4 months

>./problem[ERROR]

HigherSelf was drowning in spreadsheets - 6 different Google Sheets for tracking volunteers, services, grants, and impact metrics.

  • !Managing 15+ volunteers through 6 spreadsheets
  • !No centralized way to track service delivery
  • !Grant reporting required days of manual data compilation
  • !Volunteer communication was scattered across email, text, and Slack
  • !No visibility into which programs were most impactful
>./solution[OK]

We designed a custom Nonprofit OS that unifies volunteer management, service tracking, and impact reporting in one system.

  • HubSpot CRM for donor and volunteer relationship management
  • Airtable for service tracking and program management
  • Zapier automation for data sync between systems
  • Custom volunteer portal for scheduling and hours logging
  • Automated grant reporting with real-time impact dashboards
>./implementation

Phase 1: Data Consolidation

Migrate all spreadsheets to unified Airtable base

Airtable schema designData migrationBackup proceduresTeam training

Phase 2: CRM Setup

Implement HubSpot for donor and volunteer management

HubSpot configurationContact importEmail templatesPipeline setup

Phase 3: Automation

Connect systems with Zapier workflows

30+ Zapier automationsService logging automationVolunteer remindersGrant report generation

Phase 4: Volunteer Portal

Custom portal for volunteer self-service

Shift schedulingHours loggingTraining modulesCommunication hub
>./impact[SUCCESS]

HigherSelf successfully expanded to 5 cities while reducing administrative burden and improving volunteer retention.

5,000+
Services Delivered
tracked and reported
15+
Active Volunteers
across 5 cities
15hrs/wk
Admin Time Saved
through automation
1-click
Grant Reports
from manual compilation

Before, grant reporting took a full week. Now I generate comprehensive impact reports with one click. We can finally focus on the work that matters.

Executive Director | HigherSelf
>./tech-stack
HubSpot CRMAirtableZapierNotionCalendlySlack
>./next-steps[ROADMAP]
  • Donor management portal with recurring giving
  • Program impact visualization dashboard
  • Integration with city social services databases
[NEXT_STEPS]~/engagement
> ./ready-for-similar-results

Ready for Similar Results?

Let's discuss how systems architecture can transform your operations.