Data.org is a platform for partnerships to build the field of data science for social impact. 

Data science is being used to bring products and services to market that are profoundly affecting our world. Yet, too many mission-driven organizations lack the know-how and tools to harness the power of data. 

Talented data scientists want to help, yet many organizations are not equipped to integrate their expertise into their decision-making. Tools and data exist, but too often they’re not designed for non-profit and public sector needs. We have the building blocks—but to succeed at scale, we need to create better connections between data resources and those on the front lines of social impact. 

That’s where data.org comes in. We are focused on building capacity with training resources and access to data sets, and open-source tools to realize the potential for data-driven insights to solve some of society’s biggest challenges, all while adhering to principles of responsible data use.

We believe in using the power of data analytics and insights to unlock solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges.

As part of our commitment to building the field of data science for social impact, data.org has launched a $10 million data.org Inclusive Growth Challenge.

Any strong and growing economy requires an inclusive and resilient approach to growth to ensure that talent, innovation, and our communities can become stronger in times of stress. By tapping into the expertise of a broad pool of thinkers and doers, we aim to catalyze innovative and scalable solutions to help individuals and communities thrive, all the while building their resilience to withstand future challenges.

We recognize that COVID-19 global pandemic is affecting our society in profound ways and will require new and innovative approaches. Beyond the impacts on public health, the COVID-19 crisis is likely to have severe economic repercussions. Supply chains are being disrupted, businesses are suffering losses, workers are facing unemployment, and too many people lack the savings or credit to weather an economic downturn. We will be considering this changing context when evaluating proposals for the Challenge.

We are seeking inclusive growth proposals from and for anywhere in the world. We are particularly interested in the areas listed below — but welcome other proposals for using data science to advance shared prosperity, and help ensure an inclusive recovery.

Note that we plan to formally open the Challenge and invite proposals in the near-future. We are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation to set the appropriate date. We also may adjust the areas listed below depending on new needs that COVID-19 will create. In the meantime, please do sign up to receive an application for proposals.

Leave no worker behind.

Jobs of tomorrow:  Low wage workers are among the most vulnerable in today’s economy. In times of economic stress, current trends toward automation and job displacement could accelerate. How can we use data science to help workers remain secure in precarious times? Can data insights predict trends in the labor market and connect and prepare workers for the jobs of tomorrow?

Leave no entrepreneur behind.

Access to capital: Unleashing the spirit of grassroots entrepreneurs can help communities rebound by creating much-needed jobs and growing local economies. Yet, in times of recession, the flow of credit to micro and small businesses tends to slow down. How can data science enable microentrepreneurs to gain access to capital? How can data science help us identify micro and small businesses with the potential to grow? How can data insights rethink creditworthiness and unlock capital for high potential business owners?

Leave no place behind.

Cities and towns: An economic recession will hit some places harder than others. As public and private sector investments flow into cities and towns to stimulate the economy, how can leaders use data-driven insights to make the right decisions to ensure economic security in underserved communities? How can data and analytics help connect neighborhoods to the resources and networks they need to access opportunity,  including quality education, affordable housing and childcare, decent jobs, and transportation? We are seeking applications of data science that can fuel economic growth and empower communities to thrive without further exacerbating inequality.

Eligibility & judging criteria

The data.org Inclusive Growth Challenge is open to any individual, organization, or collaboration from anywhere in the world.^[1] Terms and conditions available here.

Submissions will be judged on the following criteria:

1. Impactful: addressing an important inclusive growth challenge
2. Replicable: presenting a proposal that can be adapted to different cases
3. Scalable: creating a project that can be expanded on a larger scale
4. Practical: meeting reasonable resource and execution requirements with manageable risks
5. Breakthrough: designing an insightful and new application of data science

^[1] Except for North Korea, Sudan, Iran, Crimea, Syria, and Cuba.

The data.org Inclusive Growth Challenge will award up to ten winners with data science talent, software, training, and funding from 10K up to $10 million in a mix of grant-funding, technical support & consulting, media production, marketing and promotional outreach, and software & infrastructure licenses.

Stay tuned and sign up to receive an application when the Challenge opens and to participate!

Innovators in the field are using data science to help solve complex societal challenges. Predictive analytics are helping educators reduce college dropout rates. Data visualizations are being used by local leaders to fight homelessness. Artificial intelligence is helping connect struggling families to benefits and services.

With data.org, we are building on a rich history of data and technology for social good led by the groundbreaking work of the ONE Campaign.

 The original DATA.org launched in 2001 when a group of innovative social entrepreneurs, together with anti-poverty advocates and philanthropist and rockstar Bono committed to alleviating debt, AIDS, and trade inequalities in Africa. In what ultimately became the ONE Campaign, they galvanized support for poverty alleviation by focusing on data-driven, evidence-based approaches to development.

 Inspired by their achievements, we are re-launching data.org as a platform for partnerships to build the field of data science for social impact.

The new data.org platform and data.org Challenge were launched by:

Other partners include Benefits Data Trust, Community Solutions, DataKind, and Tableau Foundation. 

Join the movement. Interested in partnering to accelerate the use of data science for social impact? Contact us at info@data.org.