Data Next-Level Practices: Turning Principles into Action
Improving Data Practices Fosters Better Philanthropy
Global philanthropy moves more than $2 trillion annually, yet the information systems that support those flows remain fragmented, siloed, and difficult to access or reuse. As a result:
- Funders struggle to discover organizations beyond their existing networks.
- Nonprofits are repeatedly asked to provide the same information to different funders.
- Funding flows, due diligence, and decision-making remain fragmented, opaque, and inefficient.
- Resources move more slowly, less effectively, and less equitably than they could.
The Data Next-Level Practices (NLPs) were developed in partnership with PEAK Grantmaking to address these challenges at their source: how information is collected, managed, shared, and reused across the philanthropic ecosystem.
They provide a practical roadmap for building a more connected, equitable, and efficient information infrastructure, one where data flows more easily, nonprofits spend less time re-entering information, and funders can make better decisions with greater confidence.
Putting Better Data Practices Into Action
When organizations adopt these practices, data becomes easier to discover, easier to trust, and easier to move between systems. The result is lower transaction costs, reduced administrative burden, increased visibility for nonprofits, and stronger decision-making across the sector.
Most importantly, these practices create the conditions for more efficient, transparent, and equitable philanthropic flows. After all, philanthropic capital can only move as effectively as the information that guides it.
To help turn these principles into action, we created two companion resources: the GMS Vendor Directory and the Data, Taxonomy, and Infrastructure Provider Directory. Together, they illuminate the systems, data sources, taxonomies, and infrastructure that already support data sharing, reuse, and interoperability across the social sector.
These resources can help you identify opportunities to reduce duplication, strengthen integrations, and accelerate the responsible flow of information and, ultimately, resources throughout philanthropy.
Editorial Notes
About the Directories
The NLPs are aspirational and forward-looking, designed to move the sector beyond current practice. Not all vendors or providers have adopted them yet, that’s expected. We encourage you to engage your chosen partners around the NLPs.
Join the Directories
We welcome and encourage new participants. Together, our community of GMS vendors and data providers are working to make philanthropy’s data more connected, equitable, and reusable. To get started, visit Join the Directories.
Disclaimer
Information in these directories was voluntarily shared by the providers. It is for reference only and does not imply endorsement. For updates or corrections, please contact us.