How can philanthropies use data responsibly across its operations? How can philanthropies ensure the value of data is equitably distributed among communities? 

In this edition of “What We’re Reading,” we provide a range of resources exploring the role of philanthropy in accelerating the use of data for the public good and how philanthropies can improve their own use of data internally. The readings not only respond to current data challenges but also highlight proactive strategies to ensure data benefits all sectors of society.

A few key takeaways relevant for the DATA4Philanthropy Network:

• Advancing Community Involvement in Data Processes: Involving communities more in data-related activities can help make sure that the benefits of data are shared fairly and meet the unique needs of underserved groups. 

• Building Robust Digital Infrastructure and Skills Development: Establishing strong digital infrastructure and promoting digital skills are essential for enabling access to technological benefits and fostering inclusivity in underserved communities. 

• Accelerating Data Stewardship within Philanthropies: Philanthropic organizations must lead by example in ethical data use, establishing standards and practices that prioritize community benefit and prevent data exploitation. 

Below we provide a summary of these resources in alphabetical order.

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Aspen Digital. “Building a Fair Data Future.” The Aspen Institute, May 22, 2024. 

The report "Building a Fair Data Future" from Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute that works to strengthen democratic principles, explores the need for a fairer distribution of the value of data across society. The report summarizes the discussions during an interdisciplinary convening on these topics co-organized with the Omidyar Network. The report explains the issue of data exploitation by private entities and emphasizes the role of philanthropy in correcting this asymmetry. It highlights the importance of distributing the benefits of data with marginalized and underserved communities and underscores the need for community participation in data collection, management, and use. The report advocates for philanthropic leaders to support initiatives that advance data fairness, improve privacy measures, and support a diverse data-driven economy. This involves funding training programs for local communities, developing data collaboratives and establishing standards for data use and transparency to enhance community empowerment and data-driven decision-making.  

Digital Impact Alliance. “The Data Revolution Offers Enormous Benefits. Philanthropy Can Ensure They’re Evenly Felt.,” June 2024. 

In a paper by the Digital Impact Alliance, the authors discuss the potential of datafication and emphasize the role of philanthropy in distributing the value of data equitably. They highlight the need for strong digital infrastructure, widespread internet access, and the development of digital skills to achieve digital inclusion, especially in low-income regions. The paper explains how philanthropic funding, risk management, and collaborations among diverse stakeholders can enhance these efforts. The authors argue that effective philanthropy is crucial in overcoming barriers such as outdated infrastructure (legacy systems), established power structures (entrenched interests), and other bureaucratic obstacles. They encourage philanthropies to focus on transparency, data protection rights, and inclusive growth to enhance the effectiveness of data-driven technologies and methodologies. The paper calls for philanthropic organizations to coordinate their data-related efforts across the global community to harness the potential of data for broad social and economic progress. 

The blueprint developed by the Digital Impact Alliance illustrates four pivotal roles- Accelerator, De-risker, Orchestrator, and Scorekeeper- and outlines seven key initiatives (“big bets”) aimed at enhancing global data infrastructure. These initiatives focus on decentralizing AI access, establishing global metrics, creating innovation funds, investing in digital resources, and fostering collaborations, all to ensure equitable data-driven development. 

González Carmona, Emilia. “Philanthropy and the SDGs in Latin America.” WINGS, May 30, 2024. 

In “Philanthropy and the SDGs in Latin America,” published by WINGS (Worldwide Initiatives for Grantmaker Support – a global philanthropy network), Emilia González Carmona examines the vital role of philanthropic organizations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in alignment with the 2030 agenda. In her analysis, Carmona presents findings from the “Latin American Report on Philanthropy and Sustainable Communities: Localizing the SDGs,” by Centro de Filantropía e Inversiones Sociales (CEFIS) at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, with support from the C.S. Mott Foundation. This report reveals uneven progress on the SDGs among Latin American countries, with only a small portion fully achieved. Carmona emphasizes the importance of integrating SDGs into daily operations, support functions, and broader impact initiatives of philanthropic organizations. She identifies significant challenges, particularly in Colombia, where a lack of local data and complex metrics hinder effective SDG measurement and reporting. She spotlights the Corona Foundation’s work through the Cómo Vamos Cities Network, which equips local governments across Colombia with the tools and technology needed for SDG tracking and monitoring. Carmona advocates for continued regional collaboration through networks like WINGS to amplify the philanthropic sector’s impact on the SDGs in Latin America. 

 

Napoleón García, from Censura Cero, shared his experience and the challenges he has faced in his socio-political activism. He also expressed the importance of SDG 16. Photo by Mauricio Martínez/PNUD El Salvador on Flickr.

Merkley, Ryan. “How Philanthropy Can Make Sure Data Is Used to Help — Not Harm.” The Chronicle of Philanthropy, June 21, 2024. 

In "How Philanthropy Can Make Sure Data is Used to Help—Not Harm," published in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Ryan Merkley from the Aspen Institute emphasizes the need for philanthropic organizations to address data usage inequalities to ensure that it supports rather than takes advantage of communities. He outlines strategies for grantmakers to promote data equity, such as ensuring data accurately represents and benefits the communities served. Merkley urges foundations to lead by example, advocate for data stewardship, and fund initiatives that boost communities' control over their data. He recommends establishing data cooperatives or trusts to manage nonprofit data securely and ethically. Ultimately, he calls on philanthropic organizations to integrate data equity into their grantmaking and operational practices to create a fairer data future.

Oehlsen, Emily. “Philanthropic Cause Prioritization.” Journal of Economic Perspectives 38, no. 2 (May 30, 2024): 63–82. 

In the article “Philanthropic Cause Prioritization” featured in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, Emily Oehlsen from Open Philanthropy examines effective strategies to optimize philanthropic funding. As the manager of the Global Health and Wellbeing initiative, Oehlsen discusses Open Philanthropy’s approach to expanding the impact of philanthropy globally. Oehlsen introduces two of Open Philanthropy’s principal frameworks: equalizing marginal philanthropic returns and using the importance, neglectedness, and tractability (INT) model to evaluate opportunities. The paper details the methodologies employed to measure and compare the effects of various philanthropic activities in terms of cost-effectiveness. Oehlsen also reflects on the philosophical complexities involved in prioritizing causes and measuring their impacts. The article emphasizes the need for ongoing adjustments to these frameworks to meet global challenges effectively, showing Open Philanthropy’s dedication to data-driven and collaborative approach to improve philanthropic impact worldwide. 

This graph, taken from Emily Oehlsen’s article “Philanthropic Cause Prioritization” in the Journal of Economic Perspectives, illustrates the comparative philanthropic spending per disability-adjusted life-year lost across various health issues, highlighting the disparities in funding for diseases like lead exposure, malaria, tuberculosis, and cancer. 

Owen, Jenni. “Government + Research + Philanthropy: How Cross-Sector Partnerships Can Improve Policy Decisions and Action.” Social Policy Report 37, no. 1 (March 2024): 5–10.

In the report “Government + Research + Philanthropy: How Cross-Sector Partnerships Can Improve Policy Decisions and Action,” published by the Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD), an organization that promotes multidisciplinary research in the field of human development, aiming to foster the well-being and healthy development of children. Jenni Owen from the North Carolina Office of Strategic Partnerships explores how collaborations between government, research institutions, and philanthropic organizations can enhance policy outcomes. Owens identifies barriers such as differing timelines and communication styles and offers strategies to overcome them, including early collaboration and contextual understanding. She emphasizes the crucial role of philanthropy in fostering these partnerships, showing how philanthropic investments can drive evidence-based policymaking. The report uses examples from North Carolina to demonstrate the benefits of such cross-sector collaborations in creating effective policies and improving community outcomes. 

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Do you know of innovative uses of data that should be featured on the platform? Or, are you a philanthropic data leader interested in collaborating with the DATA4Philanthropy team? Let us know by emailing us at DATA4Philanthropy@thegovlab.org. 

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