Nonprofits frequently wonder how other organizations manage data collection and security and what policies they have in place to manage them.
In 2020, we conducted the first Data Empowerment Survey and published the corresponding report. Two years later, with a number of shifting factors for the nonprofit sector in the U.S. and beyond, we were curious about what may have stayed the same or changed with data collection, management, and use.
The Data Empowerment report explores how organizations representing various sizes and mission-focus allocate resources and oversee the tremendous volume of data they collect. We encourage you to use the report and the additional resources below to examine how your organization can manage its data responsibilities.
Thank you to our partner, Fidelity Trustees’ Charitable Initiative, for sponsoring this report.
Additional Resources
2020 Data Empowerment Report
View the 2020 iteration of this report to see how the research has changed over time.
Data Policies Your Nonprofit Needs
Get started with an overview of the data-related policies and guidelines your organization should have.
Getting Started With a Data Inventory
A data inventory is the foundation of data policy for your organization.
Sample Data Inventory
An Excel template to get you started with data inventory.
Safe Communication Policy
This is a sample policy that provides guidance for safe communication with your constituents, partners, and funders.
Sample Privacy Policy
This sample privacy policy includes elements inspired by GDPR privacy policies, ethical data use guidelines, and other standards.
Sample Web Content and Social Media Policy
A sample policy offering guidelines on external communications on website and social media.
VISIONS Case Study
We explore how VISIONS, a nonprofit that serves the blind and visually impaired, keeps their community’s needs front and center.
