How Data Standards Can Help Save the World

Modern life is full of data—a lot of data. Sometimes it feels simply overwhelming. And that’s especially true in the philanthropic sector. It can feel like our work is simply an endless string of profiles, templates, accounts, applications, and reports. If we aren’t thoughtful about it, the flow of data in philanthropy could be a barrier to effectiveness instead of a way to amplify our impact. Data standards offer part of the solution, a way to bring order to the flow of data. In the last few years, several core standards have emerged, including eGrant, the BRIDGE ID, and GuideStar for Grant Applications. These standards will, we believe, become a part of the underlying flow of data in philanthropy.