Philanthropy Data Commons: Building a Shared Data Future for Philanthropy
What is the PDC?
A Shared Infrastructure for the Philanthropic Sector
Philanthropy Data Commons (PDC) is a collaborative initiative to make philanthropic data more accessible, accurate, and equitable. By providing a neutral, consent-based platform, the PDC helps leverage shared data as a sector asset—so funders and changemakers can share data, reduce administrative tasks, and spend more time on program and mission.
Who We Work With
Our Collaborators
Changemakers
The PDC empowers nonprofits and social innovators to be a part of a shared infrastructure that catalyzes sector-wide impact, amplifies their work, and unlocks new opportunities. With consent-driven sharing built into every connection, changemakers gain access to a broader pool of funders, even outside of active funding cycles, find connections with funders who align with their mission, and signal funding needs in real-time.
Funders
Foundations and philanthropic collaboratives leverage the PDC to improve their data, enhance transparency, and make more informed decisions. Shared data reduces duplication and creates a clearer picture of where resources are flowing—and where gaps remain. Funders can filter by what matters most, signal interest and request more information and view shared data across the sector in one place.
Technology Partners
Vendors, developers, and data platforms integrate with the PDC’s data model and API framework to power collaboration across systems. Together, they’re advancing the next generation of philanthropy data infrastructure and working together with the PDC to harness shared data as a sector asset.
Who is a changemaker?
“Changemaker” is our working term for the people and organizations who receive funding to fuel their mission work and drive positive impact in communities. This includes nonprofits, social enterprises, community leaders, researchers, and advocates—anyone working to create a more equitable world.
Our Approach
Built for Consent, Collaboration, and Transparency
The PDC is a sector-wide initiative strengthening how data flows across philanthropy. We enable funders, changemakers, and technology partners to access accurate, timely information—shared only with the data owner’s consent—so the sector can collaborate with greater transparency and impact.
Our guiding principles at the PDC focus on:
The Centrality of Changemakers
Being Interoperable & Extensible
Transparency & Endurance
Get Involved
The Philanthropy Data Commons is growing, and we want you to be part of it. Joining the PDC means becoming part of a collaborative network of funders, changemakers, and data platforms, working to make philanthropy more transparent, efficient, and equitable.
Whether you’re a funder ready to get access to more data or start sharing your grants data, a philanthropy serving organization exploring new technology and tools powered by shared infrastructure, or a changemaker looking to access high-quality, consent-based information to support your mission, there’s a way for you to engage with the PDC. Together, we’re building a data ecosystem grounded in trust, collaboration, and shared success.
Our Valued Partners
Powered by Collaboration
PDC is a project of Mac Services and supported by philanthropic partners committed to shared data and collaboration.
Latest Updates
Stay connected through PDC connect, our regular series sharing stories from across the ecosystem. Learn about new partners, technical milestones, and the projects shaping the future of data collaboration.