Philanthropy Data Commons®

The sector runs on relationships.

Now it can run on better data too.

Shared infrastructure for nonprofits, funders, and the technology partners that connect them — built by the sector, for the sector.

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What the PDC makes possible 

One shared data layer. Thousands of connections.

For the sector, by the sector.

The Philanthropy Data Commons® (PDC) connects funders, nonprofits, and their partners so data can flow where it’s needed — securely, and on everyone’s own terms. Rather than replacing existing systems, PDC connects them, making it easier to collaborate, reduce duplication, and make more informed decisions.

For nonprofits, that means one verified profile connecting to any participating funder instead of re-entering the same information across dozens of grant cycles. For funders, cleaner data and a clearer picture of the landscape. For platforms and data partners, a shared foundation that helps them deliver even more value.

Our origin story

From common application to common infrastructure

The PDC began in 2021 as a Common Grant Application effort, seeded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, with a coalition of funders exploring how to ease the burden of applying for grants. Early research surfaced a bigger challenge: the burden wasn’t just duplicative application forms, it was the fragmented systems beneath them. What the sector really needed wasn’t a single shared form, but shared infrastructure connecting the systems already in use.

That insight became the Philanthropy Data Commons — now housed within MacArthur’s 501(c)(3) affiliate, Mac Services.

Learn How It Works →

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Built on four commitments to the sector

Changemakers first

The people doing the work come first. Their time, their mission, and their data are what this infrastructure exists to serve. Every design decision starts here.

Transparency & longevity

We’re honest about what exists today, what is still evolving, and what requires collective effort. And we build for the long term — not for any single funder’s timeline or platform’s roadmap.

Interoperable by design

PDC works alongside the systems organizations already use — connecting them, not replacing them. That foundation makes tools like AI-assisted matching and smarter discovery possible.

For the sector, by the sector

PDC is governed by the organizations it serves. The work is shared, the ownership is shared, and so are the benefits. This is infrastructure for the commons — built together.

The People Behind the PDC

Built by people who know this work

Liz Kane

Co-Director, Philanthropy Data Commons

Also serves as Managing Director, Core Services at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

John Mohr

Co-Director, Philanthropy Data Commons

Also serves as Chief Information Officer at the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation

Meet the full team →

Our Valued Partners

Built in close collaboration with the funders, nonprofits, and technology platforms shaping how philanthropy shares data.

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Updates for funders, nonprofits, data practitioners

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Ready to be part of what’s being built?

The PDC grows stronger every time a funder, nonprofit, or ecosystem partner joins the commons.
There’s a place for you here.

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