We (Ajah & PoweredbyData) are very happy that this report was published today. We worked hard over the past two years to make sure that the Mowat Centre was aware of this issue and we helped to make sure that they were well educated about it as well.
Mowat also talked to, and learned from a lot of other important players in the space such as Open North, Social Planning Council's, etc., many of whom are on this list. We're all hoping this report helps raise awareness of the opportunities of open data by some of the larger, more established stakeholders in the non-profit sector.
http://mowatcentre.ca/an-open-future/----------
An Open Future: Data priorities for the not-for-profit sector
The timing is right for the not-for-profit (NFP) sector to plan for its data needs. As governments become more interested in creating effective open data policies, and the not-for-profit (NFP) sector increasingly focuses on outcomes, accountability and impact, NFP data needs will grow substantially. To make NFP goals a reality, governments must engage the NFP sector as a key partner and the sector must be ready to respond with its own priorities and strategies for building its data capacity.
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Executive Summary
In recent years, governments around the world have begun
to develop open data policies as part of a broader push for government
to become more accountable, effective, efficient and transparent.
Advocates for these policies argue that opening datasets in a
standardized and accessible way can spur innovation for both government
and organizations, facilitating both social and commercial benefits. As
not-for-profits (NFPs) and governments consider how to modernize the
framework that governs their relationship, what potential do open data
policies hold? Does the increased attention given to open data, both as a
movement and policy, present an opportunity for the not-for-profit
sector to better achieve its goals?
NFPs have long sought better information about the
communities they work in and more information about the organizations
that make up the sector. Now, there is growing interest in engaging with
the open data movement as part of a broader push for information the
sector needs. NFPs are not only seeking to improve on their work, but
also to better assess and communicate the impact of that work. They have
a strong foundation to build on, and — given the technological advances
of the past decade — many see the increased use of data as a way to
both to enhance the work of NFPs and strengthen the sector’s ability to
communicate its value. In order to do this, NFPs argue that they need
indicators for the communities they operate in, information about the
types of programs and activities that others offer, and more evidence
about what works.
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