In a world where information is power, access to data, the ability to analyze it, and using it effectively can make all the difference—regardless of the sector. However, the landscape isn’t the same for everyone: while journalism, academia, and tech companies face their own data-related challenges, social organizations navigate a different set of obstacles.
At Datasketch, we’ve spent years working with NGOs on projects that blend data and technology. Through this work, we’ve identified recurring challenges these organizations face in managing information—but we’ve also witnessed the powerful impact data can have when used strategically. Here’s what we’ve learned.
The Main Challenges
Working with data can be the difference between making informed decisions and acting blindly. But for many social organizations, it remains an ongoing struggle. Technical barriers, lack of access to quality data, and limited resources all hinder the strategic use of information. Still, many NGOs gather valuable data that, if better leveraged, could greatly increase their impact.
Limited Access to Quality Data
Many NGOs operate in areas where access to high-quality external data—such as socioeconomic or demographic information—is scarce. In some cases, they work in true information deserts, or encounter disorganized, hard-to-analyze data. These limitations complicate initial planning and hinder effective targeting of their interventions.
Limited Technical Capacity
Within the organizations themselves, there are significant barriers. A shortage of skilled personnel in data analysis, coupled with the lack of appropriate tech tools, limits their ability to process and make sense of their own data. These limitations directly affect their ability to make evidence-based decisions.
On top of that, financial constraints are structural: many NGOs simply lack the budget to invest in robust data systems or hire technical staff.
Internal Data Fragmentation
Another common challenge is the fragmentation of information within organizations. When data is scattered across different systems, formats, or departments, it’s difficult to get a comprehensive view of operations and impact.
Similarly, the absence of standardized methodologies for analyzing and structuring data often makes it hard to compare across projects or between organizations working on similar issues.
Impact Measurement: A Pending Task
Quantifying and communicating impact is key to building trust with donors, communities, and partners. Without clear methodologies or the technical capacity to process complex data, many NGOs face major obstacles in demonstrating the true reach of their work.
Open Data as an Opportunity
One often overlooked opportunity—and thus, a challenge in itself—is opening up the data NGOs generate locally through their operations.
This information often remains closed or underutilized, even though it could benefit other organizations or public entities, especially considering the high cost of collecting such data independently. Sharing and opening this data could amplify its value and social benefit.
How Data Can Transform NGOs’ Work
Despite the challenges, data has the potential to transform how social organizations design, implement, and communicate their projects. From improving decision-making to enabling better collaboration, using data strategically can take their work to the next level.
More Effective, Contextualized Interventions
One of the key advantages of using data is the ability to focus resources and actions precisely. Access to integrated databases and visualization tools allows organizations to target their efforts where they’re needed most, maximizing impact.
This is especially valuable when working with specific communities. Having detailed information about their needs and characteristics makes it easier to design tailored solutions with a higher chance of success.
Anticipating Challenges and Enhancing Collaboration
Data analysis also helps identify early trends. Spotting emerging patterns enables NGOs to act preventively, rather than just reactively.
Sharing data among organizations working in the same areas or on similar topics also prevents duplication of efforts and strengthens collaboration. This fosters a more efficient ecosystem where data becomes a shared language to tackle complex issues.
Transparency, Trust, and Evidence-Based Communication
Data enhances impact communication by allowing organizations to back their work with clear, verifiable information. Well-crafted visualizations, detailed reports, and evidence-based narratives make it easier to show tangible results to donors, communities, and allies.
While technical reports are vital for funders and policymakers, interactive graphics and accessible visuals make information more engaging and understandable for the general public.
In a context where trust is essential for the sustainability of social initiatives, being able to demonstrate impact with data is a strategic advantage.
Open Data: A Commitment to Society
Opening up the data NGOs generate amplifies their impact and fosters a culture of transparency and collaboration. This practice not only builds trust with donors and beneficiaries, but also provides key information to researchers, policymakers, and fellow social organizations.
Of course, not all data can or should be public—but sharing it strategically helps build a collective knowledge ecosystem. When diverse actors can access, analyze, and build upon this information, they create new opportunities to develop innovative solutions and tackle social issues more effectively.
Data to Transform Society
Data not only improves NGOs’ internal management—it has the potential to transform society. Used strategically, it can optimize resources, strengthen decision-making, and generate collective knowledge about the challenges our communities face.
At Datasketch, we’ve spent years working with social organizations, building joint projects, and designing data and tech-driven solutions. If you’re part of an NGO and want to start using data to increase your impact, we invite you to join our 100 Partners campaign. Together, we can make data and technology key drivers of social change.
