In the era of massive data collection and analysis, the subject of data transparency is often mentioned. ‘Data transparency’ refers to the practice of making inputs or data flows visible to donors, stakeholders, project partners, different departments, and possibly the public. In recent years, it has shifted from an abstract ideal to a necessary component of any successful social impact enterprise. In fact, nonprofit database Guidestar reported in 2019 that transparent nonprofits average 53% more in contributions and perform strongly across a range of dimensions. However, the benefits of transparency extend far beyond donor relations. Operational transparency can improve existing practices, connect organizations with partners in the same space, and maximize social impact by working hand in hand with partners and the community.
The Four Steps of Data Standardization
An organization looking to standardize its data should consider the following four steps as a guideline for their process. As organizational needs vary, the specific implementation of these stages may change, but the basic procedure should remain the same.
Defining Data Standardization and Understanding its Benefits
To maximize the value of data, it’s critical that organizations implement an effective and intuitive data standardization strategy. Good data management is a necessity for modern organizations and a prerequisite for growth & expansion.
Remote Work and Data Standardization: Why the Social Sector Cannot Wait
Regardless of what the new normal will look like post-COVID, the pandemic has already induced deep shifts in the way organizations approach remote work. While some companies are still grappling with how long and to what extent they will permit remote work, other companies (Twitter and Facebook among them) have made remote work a permanent option.
Social Impact tracking has to change for the pandemic—and the tech has to change with it
Social Impact tracking has to change for the pandemic—and the tech has to change with it‘Social impact’ is changing for many organizations — and our startup is changing to meet the momentPre-COVIDBefore COVID, most companies, foundations, and NGOs thought about social impact tracking and reporting as a quarterly or annual exercise to engage donors, investors, and communities. Every few months, …