GIS in Nonprofit and Nongovernmental Organizations

Thousands of nonprofit entities and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) around the world use a geographic approach to advance their missions. This approach has a foundation in geographic information system (GIS) technology that enables faster data sharing, fluid collaboration, and decisive action. Viewing operations and outreach through a geographic lens elevates strategic business plans, enhances services, and promotes lasting change.

Gain a new perspective on your mission with GIS

Nonprofit organizations can apply a geographic approach to everything they do. GIS technology allows staff and volunteers to connect data based on geography and apply spatial thinking to decision-making. This unique perspective on creating, managing, analyzing, and mapping all types of data empowers teams to better communicate causes, understand communities, act on missions, and measure impacts. Use cloud-based and cost-effective tools to extend services, attract volunteers, expand and manage donor networks, and shape public policies.

Build community with location-based insights

Compelling map-based data visualizations and analysis provide powerful ways to deepen support for your mission. Immersive storytelling stands out and uniquely communicates why you are concerned, what happens if people don’t act, and where there are opportunities to intervene. Use GIS technology to elevate communication strategies and rally passionate changemakers.

The demographic characteristics across communities are widely diverse. ArcGIS software provides apps and data that help nonprofit staff identify where people have interests that align with an organization’s mission and are likely to support it. Rich data analysis informs effective outreach across communities to drive engagement.

Make informed decisions with location-based insights

Passionate agents of change are quick to support your nonprofit organization’s mission. To identify and connect with others, use spatial data to gain a deeper understanding of the community and reach new supporters. Engage with communities by using dynamic maps that show needs and progress through compelling location-based data analytics. Use GIS to discover and leverage authoritative data, collect and analyze data, and support your program strategy.

Data-rich maps help policymakers, decision-makers, and other stakeholders understand complex information that often gets lost in lengthy annual reports. ArcGIS serves as an analytics tool for big datasets, showing stakeholders what needs to be done where so they can make informed decisions and take necessary actions.

Enrich strategic planning with GIS to achieve goals faster

A geographic approach to mission-driven planning considers all relevant information in the context of location to find trends, model solutions, and support strategic decisions. This approach supports long-term goals and day-to-day management with dynamic maps and spatial analysis tools that accelerate action. Use GIS to enrich market research, field operations, communications, public engagement, and effectiveness across the organization.

Most data has a location component. Use GIS to leverage data and analytics and optimize program delivery. Identify your community's pressing needs and create web-based maps to showcase and visualize potential adjustments.

Understand outcomes and plan for the future with GIS

Nonprofit organizations use GIS to develop indexes and models that set short- and long-term benchmarks and establish milestones. Maps and analysis allow teams to model alternative approaches and adjust nonprofit programs as they monitor outcomes and impacts. Leverage GIS tools to better communicate with your network, use authoritative data, collect and analyze data, and validate your program strategy. Use maps and dashboards to share the measured success of your program evaluation with current and prospective changemakers.