Philanthropy Data Commons®

The sector runs on relationships.
Now it can run on better data too.

Shared infrastructure built for and by the philanthropic sector — so funders and nonprofits can spend less time on duplicative paperwork and more time on the missions that give their work its meaning.

See How It Works Join the PDC

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, the 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 grantmaking platforms and data partners, a shared infrastructure foundation that helps them deliver even more value to the organizations they serve. 

Learn How It Works
A Shared Vision

Toward a common experience — and what comes after

If you've ever watched a nonprofit staff member spend hours re-entering the same information across grant portal after grant portal, you know how much of the sector's energy goes to administration instead of mission. The PDC exists, in part, to change that.

15 hrs

Average time a nonprofit spends on a single grant application

40%

Of grant applications ask largely the same questions

The PDC provides the infrastructure that makes a true common application experience possible. When a nonprofit's data lives in one verified, consent-governed profile that can flow into any connected grantmaking system, the sector takes a meaningful step toward a future where applying for funding looks less like paperwork and more like building relationships.

Shared, clean, interoperable data also unlocks the next generation of tools — AI-assisted applications that could help funders find better-aligned partners, help nonprofits surface relevant opportunities, and help the whole sector learn faster from its collective work.

"The way to unlock the benefits of AI and advanced technologies in support of our shared missions is to agree to share clean, privacy-protected, interoperable data in a way we have not done to date."

— John Palfrey, President, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
See how the PDC works →

The Process

How it works in three steps

1

Share your data once.

Organizations contribute the information they choose to share — on their terms, with their consent — creating a verified, living profile they control.

2

Connect to any participating system.

With your consent, that profile flows into connected funder platforms and grantmaking systems. No re-entry. No duplication.

3

The sector gets smarter together.

As more organizations join, shared data enables better matching, richer insights, and AI-assisted tools that benefit everyone.

Join the PDC

Who We Work With

Our Collaborators

.cls-1 { fill: #01b6d9; fill-rule: evenodd; }

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.

TRUSTED BY ORGANIZATIONS ACROSS THE SECTOR

OUR PARTNERS & COLLABORATORS

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

Stay in the loop

Sign up for PDC Connect - our newsletter and subscribe to our mailing list!

Contact Us
in

Follow us on LinkedIn

Real-time updates from across the sector.

Follow Philanthropy Data Commons →

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.

Sign Up Today
Read the Latest News