Data to drive decisions: How can research inform philanthropic giving?


2 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. CT

When a disaster strikes, many funders struggle to identify where and when to invest their philanthropic dollars effectively and equitably. Using available impact and risk data can help grantmakers and nongovernmental organizations understand where their activities and dollars make the most sense. But despite improvements in the amount of data available, gaps in the ability to analyze and share vital information to inform decision-making for equitable recovery outcomes persist.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) hosted a webinar to discuss the different ways funders and NGOs have used data to inform grantmaking, highlight needs and generate disaster funding. We also shared how CDP uses data in developing our educational resources.

Panelists explored several community-level data sources and discussed the challenges of collecting, analyzing and sharing information. They also highlighted the work of innovative grantee partners that can help communities and funders create timely responses, even amid a disaster.

While primarily aimed at funders, it may also be of interest to emergency managers, academics, disaster responders and NGO staff interested in or working on disasters and other crises.

CDP Director of Domestic Funds Sally Ray moderated the discussion and panelists included:

Speakers:

  • Cari Cullen, Director, CDP Midwest Early Recovery Fund
  • Andrew Schroeder, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Analysis, Direct Relief
  • Shao-Chee Sim, PhD, Vice President of Research, Innovation and Evaluation, Episcopal Health Foundation

This webinar was co-sponsored by Giving Compass and Philanthropy New York.

Please see the slide deck, explore the list of resources, read the recap on Giving Compass and watch the webinar recording to learn more:

Photo: Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

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