DBH Consulting partners with nonprofits, foundations, and public agencies to strengthen how they use data, measure impact, and make strategic decisions. We provide expert support in research and evaluation, data systems and analytics, strategic planning, and fundraising—helping organizations build the tools and capacity needed to achieve lasting, measurable results.
We take a people-centered, capacity-building approach to every engagement. Long-lasting change doesn't come from tools alone—it comes from helping teams understand, adopt, and use those tools effectively. With more than 25 years of experience in the social sector, we understand how to balance technical expertise with thoughtful partnership—supporting organizations as they build cultures of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement.
25+ years of experience in the social sector
Our suite of services is designed to help organizations implement long-term enhancements to systems, practices, and overall organizational wellness — with the ultimate aim of advancing your mission.
Design and implement systems that help you understand what's working—and why.
Build systems that turn data into insight and action.
Align your mission, strategy, and measurement.
Strengthen your ability to secure funds and communicate impact.
A sample of organizations we have partnered with to help strengthen their evaluation, data management, and strategic capacity.
Supported United Way of New York City (UWNYC) with an assessment of organizational strengths and opportunities in data management and strategy, performance and outcome measurement, analytics and reporting, and other forms of organizational learning. The engagement helped UWNYC navigate a strategic planning process with a stronger data foundation, and also included a deeper dive into the Food and Benefits Access (FBA) program, helping to create a comprehensive data inventory and program dashboard.
Supported Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) to establish the agency's first Medicaid billing system for Housing Supports. Guided the organization through the Medicaid provider application process, Managed Care Organization (MCO) contracting and credentialing, and building out policies and procedures for authorization and claims submissions as well as data management. Partnered closely with the program team to integrate Medicaid-required protocols into an established, high-quality program model.
Supported Children's Home Association of Illinois (CHAIL) with an assessment to learn about the organization's current state of data management, outcome measurement, strategic plan tracking and reporting, and other forms of organizational learning. Ongoing partnership has included compiling a comprehensive Data and Outcome Inventory for each program, creating CHAIL's first-ever organization-wide dashboard to monitor and report on key metrics by program, and designing a revamped client satisfaction survey.
David B. Howard, MSW, Ph.D., is the Founder and Principal of DBH Consulting, with more than 25 years of experience in the nonprofit and social sector. He has led research, evaluation, and performance management efforts at national and international levels, helping organizations strengthen outcomes and scale impact.
David lives in New York City with his family and brings a deep personal commitment to advancing equity and impact in the social sector.
For nearly 10 years, David served as the Senior Vice President, Research, Evaluation & Learning at Covenant House International. Prior to that, he served as the Director of Research and Innovation at The Doe Fund.
David currently holds appointments as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the NYU Silver School of Social Work (Social Policies and Programs; Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations) and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Columbia School of Social Work (Program Evaluation). He is also a Member of the Leap Ambassadors Community and a Founding Board Member of the Liberty Fund.
David earned his Ph.D. & MSW at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and his B.A. at UC Berkeley.
Whether you're building evaluation capacity, navigating a strategic planning process, or strengthening your data infrastructure, we'd love to explore how DBH Consulting can support your organization.