Volunteer data skills to make a positive
impact
So far, you have been learning how data analytics professionals are making an impact in a variety of
industries. You’ve also learned about nonprofit organizations, and how their efforts are making a
difference for so many in need. By volunteering their expertise and time, data analytics professionals
contribute to many projects that help nonprofits benefit communities all around the world. In this
reading, you will learn more about how you can contribute to global efforts, including your local
community as a data professional.
Nonprofits
People hoping to further a social cause, or provide a benefit to the public, often create nonprofit
groups. The main mission of a nonprofit group is to fill a need or gap that the private sector is not
addressing adequately. There are rewarding and inspiring opportunities for data professionals in the
nonprofit sector. At the global level, groups like Children International, Doctors Without Borders, and
Care International lead humanitarian efforts across the globe. In addition to these large-scale efforts,
there are many nonprofit organizations whose efforts are regionally specific, like Christopher’s
Promise based in the Columbus, Ohio area.
You can apply your data skills to help nonprofit groups become more effective, allowing them to
anticipate and respond to their greatest areas of need.
You may already be aware of nonprofits that fit within your areas of interest or operate in your
community. One way that these organizations compensate for their lack of resources is by finding
volunteers. Often, regional or local organizations lack the resources to offer full time employment for
marketing professionals or data analysts. As a data analytics professional there are many ways that
you can make a valuable contribution to nonprofit organizations. In the event that you do not have a
specific nonprofit organization in mind, you can research through Charity Navigator, the largest and
most trusted online nonprofit evaluation and rating tool in the world. Here you will find ratings on
nearly 200,000 nonprofits.
An example of a community-based nonprofit
organization
Christopher’s Promise, a grass-roots nonprofit based in Columbus, Ohio, is a representative
example of the types of community-based nonprofits that are making an impact all over the world.
This organization was inspired by the efforts to create a bicycle for a fifteen-year old who faced the
challenges of Neurofibromatosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Optic Glioma. Since 2011, this nonprofit has
facilitated the design and construction of adaptive bicycles for hundreds of children, thanks to
outstanding support from the local communities in the central Ohio area.
Christopher’s Promise (2022) mission statement is “To allow all kids, despite physical limitations,
the ability to experience the same hallmark childhood memories as their peers. Helping kids, be
kids.”
Volunteering data skills to nonprofits
As a data analytics professional, your skills can make a great impact on charity and nonprofit
organizations within your own community or for a community whose needs resonate with you. Many
nonprofits are highly dependent on volunteers for their activities due to limited resources. This
situation is especially challenging for community-based initiatives that often lack the funding to hire
data analytics professionals. Therefore, offering to volunteer with a local nonprofit is an excellent
way to gain experience and support a cause.
How can data analytics professionals help nonprofits?
Data analytics professionals can help nonprofit organizations in a variety of ways. Below are a few
examples.
Fundraising
Using data analytics, you can predict with high accuracy which prospects are most likely to donate.
In order to maximize return on marketing and outreach expenses, nonprofit organizations can use
data analysis to prioritize outreach and reduce overall marketing expenditures.
Marketing
There is valuable information in a nonprofit’s data that can benefit marketing efforts. Data analysis
can help determine a nonprofit’s target audience and gather insights such as donation methods,
contribution history, and other demographics. As a result, the nonprofit can help guide
communication with potential donors and determine the effectiveness of campaigns.
Monitoring activities
Data analysis can help nonprofits monitor resources, expenses, and daily operational needs. A
nonprofit will often need assistance in keeping track of donated materials. For example, a database
of donations to a food bank could help the organization determine specific food items being collected
and inventory the expiration dates of food items for shelving, cycling, and distribution. Using a
system of real-time inventory in conjunction with predictive data analytics could anticipate shortages
and identify those donors who have helped provide these items in the past.
Data analytics has a lot to offer a nonprofit organization. Gaining deeper insight into the
organization’s efforts can help them to operate in a more effective and efficient way. Analyzing data
can improve various nonprofit functions, such as allocation of resources, recruiting and retaining
supporters, fundraising, and conducting research. Data analysis also can help reveal patterns and
power dynamics that can be used to inform decision-making. In addition to identifying individuals and
communities in need of assistance, predictive modeling can also be used to identify potential
recipients of a nonprofit's services.
More opportunities to volunteer
There are organizations who are helping to pair data professionals with projects that are making a
difference all around the world.
DataKind is a global nonprofit that harnesses the power of data science and artificial intelligence
(“AI”) in the service of humanity. Using data analysis, this organization guides restorative efforts in
underserved communities. DataKind brings together volunteer experts from academia and industry
to design innovative solutions to tough social challenges. They help social organizations apply their
data to predictive analytics, machine learning algorithms, and AI in a way that both increases impact
and is sensitive to ethical considerations. Visit the DataKind website to find out more about their
mission and how to become a volunteer.
Another option for putting your data skills to good use are hackathons. A hackathon is an event
where programmers and other data professionals come together and collaborate on a particular
project. The goal is to create a solution to an existing problem.
There are many hackathon events scheduled across the world each year. These events can take
place at a specific location or remotely across the globe. Hackathon events are commonly built
around a central theme or question, such as tracking industrial emissions, promoting healthy food
options, or how we can improve mental health for cancer patients. If you are interested in finding
listings of current hackathons around the world, visit Devpost.com.
Key takeaways
Donating your time to a nonprofit is a great way to gain experience, and it can be mutually beneficial
for you and the nonprofit. The nonprofit benefits from your data analysis expertise, and you get
valuable experience working with data that can be added to your professional portfolio.
Working with a nonprofit organization or participating in a hackathon event introduces you to
different types of projects, enhances interpersonal and communications skills, and adds to your
professional list of contacts. No matter what your level of data analytics experience, working with
nonprofits and hackathons can be a rewarding side project, or even a philanthropic career option.
Resources for more information
Charity Navigator is the world's largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator.
DataKind helps social organizations identify their data and artificial intelligence opportunities,
recruits and manages volunteers, and then sees the solutions are used.
Devpost is a place to build products, practice skills, learn technologies, sign up for
competitions, and grow your network.
IRS.gov tax exempt organizations listing is a website to find charitable organizations
throughout the United States.
Statistics without borders contributes to the common good by providing free statistical, data
science, and analytical services.
