About the Philanthropy Data Commons®

Enabling a Shared Data Future for the Philanthropic Sector

The Philanthropy Data Commons (PDC) is a sector-wide initiative designed to strengthen the way data flows between funders, changemakers, and technology partners. As an enabler for the philanthropic ecosystem, the PDC provides broad access to accurate and timely information—always with the data owner’s consent—so that everyone working for social good can collaborate more effectively and with greater transparency.

We are building an enduring, collaborative infrastructure—for the sector, by the sector—to make philanthropy more connected, informed, and equitable.

Our Vision

A Connected and Transparent Philanthropy Data Ecosystem

The PDC envisions a future where philanthropy operates through shared, consent-based data that helps the field act collectively on reliable insights rather than isolated information. In collaboration with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, we aim to make consented data sharing the norm—supporting smarter grantmaking, reducing duplication, and empowering changemakers to focus on mission, not paperwork. 

Through collaborative data infrastructure, we connect platforms and people so that every participant—large or small—can contribute to and benefit from a more complete picture of the sector’s data as a shared asset.

Our Core Principles

The PDC’s core principles are the key drivers and differentiators of the movement.

Centrality of Changemakers

Changemakers own and control their data and information and contribute to decisions about the use and users of their combined data from the PDC.

Interoperable & Extensible

The PDC promotes equitable access, meeting organizations “where they are” while relying on a robust application programming interface (“API”) model and protocols that integrate with existing and emerging technology platforms to facilitate the ingestion, integration, or sharing of data.

Transparent & Enduring

The PDC seeks to leverage existing data and tools, not to replace existing ones, but to connect and enhance them and to create more equity, effectiveness, and impact in our individual and collective work.

Shared & Collaborative Work and Governance of, by, and for the Sector

The PDC is co-created, managed, and sustained by diverse sector stakeholders.

Our Role as an Enabler

The PDC acts as a technical and strategic enabler within philanthropy’s data ecosystem. Rather than serving as a product vendor, we provide the governance framework and shared infrastructure that allow others to innovate.

We enable:

  • Funders to analyze giving patterns, coordinate efforts, and identify gaps through connected data.
  • Changemakers to reuse information securely, reducing redundant forms and freeing time for mission-critical work.
  • Technology partners to integrate interoperable data standards that strengthen their own platforms.

Together, these relationships form a philanthropy data ecosystem where collaboration, not competition, drives progress.

Join the PDC

Be part of the collective movement to make philanthropy more connected. Joining the Philanthropy Data Commons® means helping shape the shared infrastructure that enables accurate, consent-based collaboration across the sector.

Whether you contribute data, build on the platform, or support the work financially, your participation strengthens the network that supports all organizations with their mission work.

Learn More

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