GivingData + TAG: Building a Shared Language for Data Practices

Written by GivingData | Nov 8, 2025 12:16:25 AM

On September 30, GivingData and Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG) hosted an interactive conversation with the goal of building a data practice taxonomy for philanthropy.

This session marked the first step in a collaborative effort to create a shared framework for data practices, which will culminate in a data summit slated for 2026.

Why start here? Because while strong data practices are essential for driving impact, many organizations struggle to know where to begin or how to identify gaps.

Introducing the Data Practice Taxonomy

TAG and GivingData introduced a draft taxonomy that organizes the full landscape of data work into nine core domains:

Domain of Practice	Draft Definition
Data Sources & Infrastructure	The systems, databases, and sources (internal and external) where data is collected, structured, and managed, and how they interoperate.
Data Hygiene & Quality	The methods used to ensure data is reliable (i.e., accurate, up-to-date, consistent) and usable in analysis, reporting, and decision making.
Data Use	How data is applied in reporting, learning, and decision-making.
Data Governance	The policies, roles, and responsibilities for managing and guiding the use of data assets.
Data Sharing & Collaboration	How organizations share data internally and externally for collective use.
Data Ownership & Ethics	The policies and mindsets that guide who has access to and control over data, primarily as they affect nonprofit partners and communities.
Data Equity & Inclusion	The practices that ensure data does not perpetuate bias or harm, and is used to highlight disparities and promote justice.
Data Literacy & Capacity	The skills, knowledge, and experience that empower people to manage, understand, interpret, and act on data effectively.
Data Culture	The shared beliefs, norms, values, attitudes, and behaviors that shape how people perceive, value, and engage with/use data.

These domains are paired with a maturity model that helps organizations assess where they are and identify opportunities for growth.

What We Heard from TAG Members

The conversation primarily focused on the draft taxonomy. Within breakout groups, TAG members shared thoughtful feedback on what’s missing. Here is some of what we heard:

Start with the definition of data: Before diving into practices, clarity is needed on the definition of “data” in this context.

Ethical considerations: “Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.” Knowing when not to collect data is as important as knowing how to use it.

Sequencing matters: Domains like data culture and equity & inclusion should be developed early, so the order of the domains matters.

Governance and AI: Members raised questions about how AI intersects with governance, especially as technical systems embed AI features.

Regulatory views: Where do compliance and regulations fit? Likely under governance, but this needs clarity.
Data literacy: Building capacity is critical for making any of this actionable.

Overall, participants appreciated the clarity of the draft taxonomy and acknowledged its usefulness, even in this early version. Their feedback will guide the next iteration of the taxonomy and ensure it reflects the realities and priorities of the philanthropic sector.

Why This Matters

As Roberto Cremonini shared during the session, “What’s missing is a common language—a comprehensive way of looking at all the practices around data, and most of all, a maturity model.”

By creating this shared language, TAG and GivingData aim to:

Connect abstract concepts like data culture to practical realities like infrastructure and governance.

Encourage cross-functional collaboration and peer learning.

Lay the groundwork for TAG’s data summit in 2026, where these ideas will take center stage.

We Want Your Input

Your feedback is critical to shaping this framework. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts on the taxonomy and suggest improvements by completing our survey:

👉 Fill out the survey here. Together, we can build stronger data practices that drive greater impact across philanthropy.

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