The Social and Learning Lab’s Post

Our recent poll revealed that lack of funding remains the biggest hurdle for nonprofits when it comes to embracing data-driven solutions. But here's the good news—data can also be the key to unlocking new funding opportunities. In this post, we explore practical ways nonprofits can leverage data to strengthen their funding strategies and get noticed by potential funders. If your nonprofit is facing challenges in securing funds, these insights are for you! Share your own funding challenges in the comments, and let’s start a conversation on how we can support each other in overcoming these barriers. Bloomberg Societal Thinking Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS) First page photo credit: Waatavaran #DataForGood #D4GX2024 #D4GX2024IndiaEmpowermentChallenge #D4GXIndia #Nonprofits #DataDriven #FundingStrategy #Impact #SocialChange #D4GX

We recently ran a poll asking you all about the biggest obstacles in implementing data-driven solutions. The results reveal that funding shortages are a major barrier. To help overcome this barrier, the #D4GXIndiaEmpowermentChallenge provides 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝟏𝟎 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐡 𝐫𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐬 annually to three nonprofits working with data-driven solutions. This support is designed to empower organizations to address funding challenges and amplify their impact. Follow D4GX India for updates and keep an eye out for opportunities that support your data-driven initiatives. What other steps can we take to further reduce these barriers? We are eager to hear your suggestions!    #DataForGood #D4GXIndia #D4GX2024 #D4GX2024IndiaEmpowermentChallenge    #PollResults #SocialInnovation #GrantFunding #Nonprofits Bloomberg Societal Thinking Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS)

‎As 2024 draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on some key lessons learned from my work I've engaged with our partners,‎‎It is evidently clear that donor priorities have changed drastically. The focus is on sustainability and long-term impact, rather than short-term fixes. ‎‎My second takeaway is donors were more willing to support initiatives that involved collective efforts. Especially if you're a startup nonprofit or have not acquired funding, Collaborate, Collaborate! and Collaborate! This will take far come 2025 and beyond ‎‎The third one is that NGOs that embrace digital tools for donor engagement, reporting and storytelling increase both visibility and communication with funders. Make sure your nonprofit has active presence and position on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Always maintain your online presence regardless of whether or not you have funding.‎‎Fundraising #GrantWriting #NGOs #ResourceMobilization #YearInReview

Want your non-profit to grow and survive in 2025 and beyond - don't miss some important actions 🌟 Embrace technology by leveraging AI, data analytics, and digital tools to streamline operations, increase outreach, and enhance donor engagement. 🌟Diversify funding sources to reduce dependency on a single income stream by exploring partnerships, grants, crowdfunding, and earned income strategies. 🌟Focus on transparency by maintaining open communication and providing clear reports on financial health and impact metrics. 🌟Strengthen community engagement by collaborating with local communities to ensure programs are relevant, sustainable, and foster long-term relationships. 🌟Develop adaptive strategies to build resilience and adopt flexible models that can adjust to economic, social, and environmental changes. 🌟Invest in staff and volunteers by providing training and support to build a motivated, skilled team capable of tackling future challenges. 🌟Leverage social media strategically to reach broader audiences, tell compelling stories, and increase donor retention. 🌟Prioritize partnerships by building alliances with other nonprofits, businesses, and government entities to pool resources and amplify impact. 🌟Focus on environmental sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices to align with global priorities and appeal to environmentally conscious donors. 🌟Measure and communicate impact regularly by evaluating programs, showcasing successes, and using data-driven storytelling to inspire stakeholders and attract support. #lubnaatsocial #nonprofits #grownpos #npos #charity

Tech advancements have led to an explosion in data generation. But these data are rarely made available to those who might benefit from them most. How can we rebalance the scales? Our Council for a Fair Data Future offers a strategic insight. Philanthropy can unlock datasets for the greater good. Funders fuel and influence the work of nonprofits, and nonprofits generate and collect a lot of data as work gets done. Using a simple tool already available to them, grant agreements, philanthropists can help lead toward a more fair data future. Read “Building a Fair Data Future” to learn how: https://ow.ly/NZxb50Ut1v9 #FairDataFuture #philanthropy #nonprofits

What can U.S. nonprofit leaders learn from the funding models that enabled 28 global nonprofits to increase their reach and impact? When Roe v. Wade was overturned, U.S. leaders turned to global organizations that have long delivered safe abortion access without federal protections. This lesson transcends sectors: inspiring strategies often come from beyond our borders. Spring Impact’s new #SecuringNonprofitFunding report shares the stories of 28 nonprofits, the majority based in low-income countries, showcasing how they’ve built financial resilience and scaled impact. One key insight? Federal government funding has played a small role in their diverse funding strategies. These lessons are more relevant than ever as U.S. nonprofits navigate uncertain funding landscapes. Read the report here: https://bit.ly/4fqGG9M

📢 I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Lightful's Building Resilience Impact Report, alongside a campaign that’s all around #BuildingResilience of the nonprofit sector! 📢 As we wrapped up 2023, we initiated our first longitudinal study to gain deeper insights into the impact of our work over the last five years. The results are incredibly encouraging: 96% of nonprofits believe lessons learned from our BRIDGE programme have helped them have a positive impact on the communities they serve. You can read how we have been working with an amazing group of #funders and #nonprofits - and download the full report here: https://lnkd.in/g4VkF3ie We know the world faces multiple crises in a rapidly evolving (digital) world. And yet... there are incredible nonprofits and civil society organisations building a better future for people and the planet. So I ask you to join us in our campaign towards #BuildingResilience of the nonprofit sector and work together towards our mission to empower nonprofits to create more equitable communities and a healthier planet. #nonprofits #charity #digital #ai #techforgood #philanthropy #impact

Nonprofits must remain agile to meet evolving community needs, shifting donor expectations, and new challenges. In a recent Forbes Nonprofit Council article, I joined other nonprofit leaders to share strategies for staying responsive in the ever-changing world of philanthropy. Here are a few highlights: 🌟 Seek New Insights from the Field: Irene Shih of Minds Matter Bay Area encourages nonprofits to regularly gather and act on feedback from their communities to inform and refine services in real-time. 💡 Approach Change with an Innovation Mindset: A topic close to my heart, I believe nonprofits need to embrace change the way tech leaders do. By treating innovation as essential for survival, organizations can remain relevant to their communities and donors. 💸 Be Honest About the Need for Unrestricted Funding: Kristin Salkil of Black Women’s Health Imperative explains that unrestricted funds are crucial for sustaining nonprofits, enabling them to retain talent, pursue innovation, and address evolving needs. It’s essential to communicate this openly to donors. 👉 Read the full article to explore all 10 strategies: https://lnkd.in/e8ZjpVCa #nonprofitmanagement #fundraisingstrategy #forbescouncil

Free resource guide for #nonprofits For nonprofits looking to make informed decisions or accurately measure their impact, access to reliable data is essential. These free data resources offer a wealth of information to support your data-driven solutions. Check out the links in the first comment below. ⬇ Start exploring these tools today and elevate your impact. 📊🌍 #DataForGood #D4GX2024IndiaEmpowermentChallenge #D4GXIndia #SocialImpact #CommunityFirst #NonprofitResources #DataDrivenDecisions Bloomberg Societal Thinking Stanford Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society (Stanford PACS)

‎As 2024 draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on some key lessons learned from my work I've engaged with our partners, ‎ ‎It is evidently clear that donor priorities have changed drastically. The focus is on sustainability and long-term impact, rather than short-term fixes. ‎ ‎My second takeaway is donors were more willing to support initiatives that involved collective efforts. Especially if you're a startup nonprofit or have not acquired funding, Collaborate, Collaborate! and Collaborate! This will take far come 2025 and beyond ‎ ‎The third one is that NGOs that embrace digital tools for donor engagement, reporting and storytelling increase both visibility and communication with funders. Make sure your nonprofit has active presence and position on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Always maintain your online presence regardless of whether or not you have funding. ‎ ‎Fundraising #GrantWriting #NGOs #ResourceMobilization #YearInReview