Examine the Infrastructure

Building the Shared Data Conduit for Philanthropy

The Philanthropy Data Commons® (PDC) framework is the foundation of a new, connected era for philanthropic data. It’s more than technology—it’s a common enabling infrastructure and shared data model for philanthropy, built to help bridge funders, changemakers, and data platform providers exchange information seamlessly while retaining ownership and building trust.

By focusing on interoperability, not uniformity or standardization restrictions, the PDC is creating a vendor-agnostic, platform-agnostic conduit infrastructure that empowers that connects existing systems to leverage shared data as a collective asset for the sector.

Data Interoperability in Action

Connecting the Dots Across Existing, Established Systems

The PDC framework enables data interoperability in philanthropy, allowing existing systems to exchange data without forcing or limiting data platforms and decisions. Through open APIs, shared schemas, and governance, the PDC operates as a bridge or utility between funders, data platforms, and changemakers for the collective benefit of all.

Whether you manage grants in a Grants Management System (GMS),  analyze impact through a research platform, or build a community database, with your consent, the PDC helps connect your data to the wider ecosystem.

How It Works:

  • Data Providers share approved data via the PDC flexible and adaptive data schema.
  • The PDC API Framework accepts, aligns, and stores data across data elements, categories, and relationships for sharing, visibility, and retrieval. 
  • Project Builders and Partners can leverage that consented and shared data to power better applications, insights, and collaboration tools.

The Philanthropy API Framework

The PDC API framework is the engine that powers interoperability. It defines how systems communicate with the PDC using a flexible data schema, API endpoints, authentication protocols, and consent-based permissions.

How It Works:

  • Flexible by Design: Works across existing technologies and data architectures.
  • Secure and Consent-Driven: Access is always governed by data-owner agreements.
  • Extensible: Supports integrations with any GMS vendors, research tools, and custom applications.
  • Open and Collaborative: Developed in open source in partnership with early adopters to ensure code transparency, and evolving sector relevance.

Together, these components form a shared data bridge — connecting philanthropy’s often isolated and fragmented data landscape into a cohesive, trusted network for collaboration and insight.

Vendor-and Platform-Agnostic by Design

The PDC’s approach is rooted in neutrality. We are not a product vendor and not tied to any single system. We are not looking to displace any existing technology platforms. Instead, the PDC provides a neutral data infrastructure that others can build upon.

By being vendor- and platform-agnostic, the PDC ensures:

  • Every partner — from large foundations to small nonprofits — can participate equitably.
  • Competition gives way to collaboration.
  • The sector maintains control of its own shared standards and data governance.

This neutrality strengthens trust and stability, positioning the PDC as a reliable connector across systems, regions, and organizational types.

Technology as an Enabler For The Larger Movement

A Framework to Bridge Data Sharing Across The Sector

The PDC Framework technology is a conduit that bridges across the tools working with data in the sector to better align the collective movement toward leveraging our data as a shared asset.

By operating a flexible backend infrastructure able to handle existing technology and platforms, the PDC allows data collaboration compatibility scalable and sustainable across philanthropy to benefit each stakeholder. PDC is not looking to displace the established platforms, but rather connect them in ways not able to be done before for the shared benefit of all.

Each organization that connects to and through the PDC, often with their existing platforms, helps demonstrate the collective power of philanthropic data sharing—proving that when information flows with trust and consent, the entire sector can benefit.

Explore More

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.

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