Data Governance for Fundraising Grantmakers

Protecting trust in your data and your mission

Data supports every part of grantmaking, from donor relationships and funding decisions to board reporting and accountability. When information is inconsistent, incomplete, or spread across systems, it becomes harder to act with confidence. It can also increase privacy, reputational, and governance risk at a time when expectations of grantmakers continue to rise.

In this white paper, Jenn Walen, Director of Data and Systems at the Greater Washington Community Foundation, outlines a practical shift from reactive data cleanup to proactive data stewardship. The focus is on clarity, shared responsibility, and trust in the data your organisation relies on.

You will learn:

• Why data governance matters for grantmakers and how it strengthens culture, confidence, and trust
• The essential elements of a practical governance policy, including data ownership, classification, and storage standards
• How clear data entry standards improve quality and support consistent decision‑making
• A step‑by‑step roadmap to build governance over time without over‑engineering
• Common pitfalls to avoid so governance remains practical and sustainable

Download the white paper to take a clear first step towards healthier, trusted grantmaking data.