About the Better Deal for DataTM
Data is critical to social impact. Yet data in the social sector is often locked in silos, leading to a fragmented understanding of complex systems. Many nonprofits collect data from vulnerable people about that which makes them vulnerable – sensitive data which should not be made open. And individuals and communities have lost trust in how their data is being used, creating barriers to data collection.
Better Deal for Data seeks to change this.
It is the newest project from Tech Matters, a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which applies technology to social good by developing open source software and supporting the nonprofit sector with tech-related content. When asked by a prospective donor to help increase their community’s trust in data collection, our team set out to research the issues. We found that the sector lacks a lightweight, consensus-driven approach to data governance which could be easily adopted by the typical nonprofit organization.
Inspired by the Creative Commons and Open Source licensing models, we build upon considerable work that has been done by data experts around the world, advancing causes such as ethical data stewardship, improved data governance, and responsible use of data in AI and other frontier technologies.
In early 2024, the BD4D Commitments were initially proposed as a set of eight, easy-to-understand promises that could be adapted for use as a lightweight terms of service or data sharing agreement. After an eighteen-month process of community discussion and review, the Commitments were refined into the current seven.
Our goal in developing the full BD4D Standard and Playbook is to co-create a clear, trustworthy, standard that brings accountability to organizations holding sensitive data, and provide practical tools to support the Standard’s adoption. With broad adoption, data aligned with the Better Deal will become sharable across socially responsible organizations everywhere – unlocking the data’s potential for societal benefit.
Project Timeline
BD4D Endorsers
In co-creating the BD4D Standard and Playbook, we continue to be joined by individuals and organizational leaders–including funders and philanthropists, policymakers and researchers, tech platforms and providers–who endorse the Better Deal for Data as a shared standard for using data ethically and responsibly.
BD4D Endorsers may be implementing the BD4D Standard in their operations, may have mirrored the principles set forth in the BD4D Commitments within their own policies and initiatives, or may simply encourage their grantees, partners, and peers to adopt data practices that safeguard the communities they serve.
Together, they are committed to unlocking the full potential of data to serve society, standing for trustworthy AI and data governance. We’re grateful for this endorsement, and acknowledge them here.
Afua Bruce, ANB Advisory Group
Amy Sample Ward
Anastasia Shuster, PhD
Beth Kanter
David Geilhufe
David Thomas, Executive Director, Open Food Network Canada
Donald Lobo, Founder tech4dev
Jorge Flores
Paul Sznewajs
Richard Whitt
Rudo Kemper, Conservation Metrics
Swarna Surya, Global School Leaders
Zak Kaufman, PhD, Vera Solutions
Cadasta Foundation
Child Helpline International
Fast Forward
GliaNet Alliance
nten
Open Food Network Canada
Our Sci
Project Tech4Dev
Vera Solutions
Ready to join the movement as a BD4D Endorser? Contact us to learn more!
Funders and Financial Supporters
We have learned from, and been encouraged by, many, many thought leaders in the data and tech for good fields as we develop the Better Deal for Data. We particularly want to acknowledge the financial support of the following funders:
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Okta for Good
OpenTEAM (with support from USDA)
Schmidt Futures
The Skoll Foundation
Splunk