Harnessing Technology for Global Impact: Inside GlobalGiving's Atlas Project

In the rapidly evolving world of philanthropy, the role of technology cannot be overstated. It holds the potential to revolutionize how we address global challenges, making the process more equitable, efficient, and impactful. One of the leaders in this space is GlobalGiving, an organization that has been at the forefront of connecting donors with nonprofits across the world. In a recent episode of the Untapped Philanthropy podcast, Victoria Vrana, CEO of GlobalGiving, discussed the organization's groundbreaking Atlas project and how it is redefining global philanthropy.

The Intersection of Technology and Philanthropy

Technology has long been an underutilized tool in the nonprofit sector. Despite its potential to streamline operations and enhance impact, many organizations struggle to leverage it effectively. This gap is something that Victoria Vrana has been passionate about addressing throughout her career. As she explained in the podcast, her motivation has always been about "changing the way that those on the front lines of positive social change are supported."

For Vrana, the key to unlocking this potential lies in creating systems that better serve those doing the hardest work in the world. Her work at GlobalGiving is a testament to this commitment, and the Atlas project is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to create a more equitable and efficient philanthropic ecosystem.

The Genesis of GlobalGiving and Atlas

GlobalGiving was founded with a clear mission: to address the inequities in philanthropy by making it easier for global nonprofits to access the resources they need. Over time, it became clear that one of the biggest challenges in achieving this mission was the difficulty of cross-border giving. The complexity of transferring funds internationally, coupled with the challenges of identifying and verifying nonprofits in different countries, made it difficult to ensure that resources were reaching the right hands.

These challenges were not new to Vrana. She recounted an experience early in her career when she had to physically carry cash to nonprofits in post-Soviet countries because the traditional banking systems were too cumbersome and expensive. This experience highlighted the need for a more efficient and reliable system, which eventually led to the creation of the Atlas project.

What is GlobalGiving Atlas?

The Atlas project is a game-changer in the world of philanthropy. It is a comprehensive database that includes information on over 9.8 million nonprofits from 75 countries, making it the largest and most detailed resource of its kind. Atlas combines government data, public records, and other reliable sources to create a single, unified platform where donors and organizations can easily find and verify nonprofits worldwide.

"GlobalGiving Atlas was created to solve an equity problem," Vrana explained. "It was created to unlock capital to get to organizations all over the world because, guess what? It's really hard to give across borders, and it’s hard for so many reasons."

One of the most significant challenges in developing Atlas was gathering and maintaining accurate data from such a wide range of sources. For example, in Germany alone, there are over a hundred local courts from which data must be collected. In Brazil, nonprofit data is mixed with for-profit data, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Despite these challenges, Atlas has managed to compile a vast amount of information, which is continuously updated and expanded.

Atlas’ Impact on Global Philanthropy

The impact of Atlas on global philanthropy cannot be overstated. By making it easier to find, verify, and support nonprofits around the world, Atlas is helping to ensure that resources reach those who need them most. This is especially important in crisis-prone areas, where traditional methods of support can be slow and inefficient. For example, GlobalGiving was able to launch its Ukraine fund three weeks before the conflict began, thanks to its established relationships with Ukrainian NGOs and the data provided by Atlas.

Atlas is also being used in innovative ways by various organizations. Some companies use the platform to validate nonprofits for their employee volunteer programs, ensuring that their efforts are directed toward legitimate organizations. Others use it to donate digital ads, knowing that they are supporting credible causes.

The Role of Data in Philanthropy

Data is an invaluable tool in philanthropy, providing the foundation for informed decision-making and effective resource allocation. However, the nonprofit sector has historically struggled with data standardization and accessibility. Atlas is helping to bridge this gap by offering a standardized, comprehensive view of the global nonprofit sector.

Yet, as Vrana pointed out, having the data is just the first step. "Atlas has 9.8 million nonprofits. They’re registered nonprofits in their countries, but that does not mean they’re safe for cross-border giving," she noted. The platform provides the basic building blocks, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that nonprofits have the capacity to generate and use the data that is most important to them.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its success, the Atlas project faces ongoing challenges. The rapid pace of technological change and new legislation, such as California's recent requirements for crowdfunding platforms, require constant adaptation and innovation. GlobalGiving is already piloting new tools on top of Atlas to meet these challenges, demonstrating its commitment to staying at the forefront of philanthropic technology.

Looking to the future, collaboration within the sector will be key to enhancing data infrastructure and making the most of new technologies like AI. Vrana envisions a world where AI and data tools not only streamline processes but also create more meaningful connections between donors and nonprofits. This vision of a more connected and equitable sector is central to GlobalGiving's mission.

Atlas as a Model for Future Innovation

GlobalGiving’s Atlas project is a shining example of how technology can be used to solve some of the most pressing challenges in global philanthropy. By creating a comprehensive, easily accessible database of nonprofits, Atlas is helping to level the playing field for organizations around the world.

As Atlas continues to evolve, it has the potential to serve as a model for other organizations looking to leverage technology for greater impact. Whether it’s through expanding its offerings or collaborating with other platforms, the future of Atlas is bright, and its impact on the sector will only grow.

The conversation with Victoria Vrana offers a glimpse into the future of philanthropy—one where technology and innovation play a central role in addressing global challenges. The GlobalGiving Atlas project is at the heart of this transformation, providing the tools and data necessary to create a more equitable and effective philanthropic sector.

As we look ahead, the importance of projects like Atlas cannot be overstated. They represent the future of global philanthropy, where data, technology, and human connection come together to create lasting change. To learn more about the GlobalGiving Atlas project and explore its potential, visit GlobalGiving Atlas.

For a comprehensive list of all Untapped Philanthropy episodes, visit the Fluxx blog, or your favorite podcast listening station, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

Download the transcript here.