By Lauren Woodman, DataKind CEO
Nearly fifteen years ago, DataKind started with a simple but ambitious idea: bring the power of data science and AI to the nonprofit sector. At the time, the technology was nascent, and the barriers were high—most nonprofits were not fully aware of the potential of data science. Even those that were didn’t have access to the talent, tools, or resources needed to use data in meaningful ways.
We set out to solve that challenge. Along the way, we built a global community of 30,000 volunteer data scientists and completed more than 300 projects to help nonprofits unlock insights, improve decision-making, and ultimately increase their impact.
We’ve led the Data for Good movement for almost 15 years, and we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together.
But the world has changed—and so have the needs of the nonprofits we serve.
Why We’re Evolving
Today, data science and AI are no longer unfamiliar. Being data-driven and leveraging AI is foundational in every sector, including the social impact space. Cloud computing, open-source tools, and increasingly user-friendly platforms have made these technologies more accessible than ever.
And yet, the core challenge persists: nonprofits still struggle to fully harness data and AI. Not because they lack awareness or ambition, but because the tools available to them often aren’t built for their realities. They’re too complex, too expensive, or simply not aligned with their programmatic goals. And with the rapid growth of genAI, questions of trust, equity, and responsible use are significant barriers for many nonprofits.
It’s become clear to us that the next chapter of impact requires more than volunteer talent alone—it requires fit-for-purpose, scalable products that are designed specifically to help nonprofits do what they do best: improve lives.
From Projects to Products
That’s why we’re taking a bold new step. Building on our legacy of service, we’re now focused on developing world-class data products for the nonprofit sector. These solutions are designed with and for nonprofit organizations, ensuring they are practical, accessible, and aligned with the missions of those who use them.
Our current product work is centered in four critical domains where we believe data and AI can drive the most meaningful change:
- Education
- Economic Opportunity
- Frontline Health
- Humanitarian Response
Each of these areas reflects a deep partnership with nonprofit organizations and a shared commitment to solving complex challenges through the responsible use of data.
This isn’t a departure from who we are—it’s a deeper expression of our mission. We’re not stepping away from our community roots; we’re scaling them through purpose-built tools that nonprofits can rely on every day.
Community Still at the Core
While our product development is accelerating, we remain deeply committed to the volunteer community that has powered our work from the beginning. Our DataKit events—modular, open-source tools developed in collaboration with domain experts—will continue to evolve and expand. And our Chapters in the US, UK, Singapore, and India will remain vibrant hubs of innovation, connection, and local impact.
Our volunteers have always been the heartbeat of this organization. Their insight, generosity, and skill are critical—and that won’t change. Our community remains central to everything we do. Volunteers, Chapters, and open-source contributors are key to prototyping, testing, and shaping our tools. We’re not moving away from our roots—we’re building on them.
We believe this model—one that combines community-driven innovation with high-quality product development—is uniquely suited to meet the moment. It honors our past, responds to the present, and sets the stage for the future.
What’s Next
When we started this journey so long ago, we didn’t know where our ambitions would take us. At each step, new opportunities became clear as we worked with nonprofits, technology innovators, and philanthropic leaders.
Today, we’re continuing that exploratory path, sharpening our focus where it’s most needed to build the resources nonprofits require. Our goal, though, remains the same: to help those committed to solving the world’s toughest challenges do their work better.
We’ll be sharing more about our upcoming products and partnerships over the coming months. Whether you’re a longtime supporter, a curious newcomer, or a nonprofit seeking new solutions, we’d love to stay connected (LinkedIn | X | Facebook).
We’re excited about what’s ahead—and we want you to be part of it.
Sign up for our newsletter to get early insights into our new tools, opportunities to collaborate, and stories from the frontlines of data-driven social impact.
Together, let’s continue to unlock the potential of data science and AI—not just as technologies, but as tools for equity, dignity, and change.
Header image courtesy of iStock/Natalya Kosarevich.
Join the DataKind movement.
- Interested in supporting our work? Donate here.
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- Interested in submitting a project? Go for it!
Quick Links
- From Strategy to Scale: Welcoming Board Member Erin Baudo Felter as DataKind Sharpens Product Focus
- The Women Who Redefined Tech For Good In 2024
- Scaling What Works: DataKind’s 2024 Impact and Path Forward
- Unveiling Three DataKind Products: Data-Driven Impact For Financial Inclusion
- DataKind Playbook: Building capacity to leverage AI and data science
- DataKind GenAI Learning Circles: Driving data maturity and social sector community
