August 2026 Newsletter
August 31, 2026
Practical Data Governance for the Social Sector
Six months ago, we released the BD4D Standard and Playbook for wide adoption across the social sector. Since then, we’ve met with many communities and organizations who use data every day in their operations, their programs, and their reporting.
Whether it’s an international NGO tackling thorny questions about how to use AI ethically and responsibly, or a volunteer-led nonprofit using data to deliver basic services to their local community, there is a shared need for the guardrails, guidelines, and trustworthy data practices that the Better Deal for Data brings to its Adopters. No matter where an organization is in its data and AI journey, data governance has fast become an imperative.
If you find your own organization facing some of these same opportunities and challenges, we invite you to join us!
Introducing BD4D Endorsers
Throughout its development, the Better Deal for Data has been advised by a coalition of social sector experts from data, law, philanthropy, research, and more. Some have contributed to our prototypes and adopted BD4D, while others, like Cadasta Foundation, have endorsed the Better Deal, mirroring the principles set forth in the BD4D Commitments within their own AI and data governance initiatives. Now that the BD4D Standard has been published, we are officially launching the BD4D Endorsers program.
BD4D Endorsers are individuals and organizations that recognize the BD4D Standard as a shared baseline for responsible data. They might be in the process of adopting the BD4D Standard themselves, or might be working with nonprofits on building trustworthy data practices. BD4D Endorsers are:
- Leaders in data governance, nonprofit, government, policy, and responsible use of technology.
- Foundations and funders who want to support their grantees in adopting ethical data practices.
- Associations and nonprofit communities establishing best practices for their members.
- Academics and researchers, many of whom have authored foundational work that has greatly informed the Better Deal for Data.
- Tech for Good providers and open source projects who want to encourage their clients, partners, and contributors to adopt BD4D.
Endorsers are often the first to preview new features, may be invited to collaborate on content or special projects, and are highlighted on our website. If you would like to join organizations like Child Helpline International and Fast Forward as a BD4D Endorser, let us know!
Welcoming New Team Members
This month, we welcome two new team members!
- Akshay Baldani is a rising senior at Stanford University, majoring in Computer Science, Symbolic Systems, and Public Policy. He is spending his summer with Better Deal for Data, helping improve the Standard, Playbook, and FAQ, and researching nonprofit data practices across the U.S.. Look for his recap later this year!
- Dr. Megan Rim joins Tech Matters as a Tech for Good Fellow, after completing her PhD in Digital Studies and American Culture at the University of Michigan. Her work has focused on the ethics and governance of digital technology and AI, and we’re thrilled to have her bring her advocacy and expertise to the Better Deal and the BD4D Adopters!
Collaborating with GOAT
“The open ag tech community builds tools with shared values but too often without shared language.”
The Gathering for Open Agricultural Technology (GOAT) is a grassroots, volunteer-led community collaborating to make better tools and services with, and for, farmers. We have been fortunate to work alongside GOAT members as part of our focus on building trust in agricultural data practices. An exciting new GOAT initiative is the Conventions & Standards Inventory, a community-curated set of conventions, standards, ontologies, and related specifications in use across the open ag tech ecosystem. The BD4D Standard recently joined the Common Farm Convention, hosted by Our Sci, the Data Food Consortium schema, presented by the Open Food Network, and others in the initial rollout, including a deep dive review and discussion of each. We’re grateful to GOAT and all the reviewers for their time and thoughtful feedback!
On Our Blog
“How can we make this all into something approachable, understandable, and welcoming? How can we get nonprofit leaders excited about the operational reality of data governance? What might an implementation model look like? …In doing this work, the design exploration wasn’t just packaging for existing content. It became an active player in the project itself.”
Are you following our blog? Recently, Courtney Tiberio, Senior UX Designer, shared how user experience and product design helped shape a body of complex research on data stewardship and governance into the BD4D Standard & Playbook. Read more…
What’s Next
We have an exciting few months ahead, with new BD4D Adopters and Endorsers to introduce, and collaborations, research, and resources to share! If you’re a nonprofit or a grantmaker interested in learning more about adopting Better Deal for Data for your organization or your grantees, get in touch today.
As always, we invite your feedback and questions on the BD4D Commitments, and are grateful for your continued support!
– Jim, Celine, Megan, and the Better Deal for Data team