How using data can optimize philanthropy for better impact

The idea of data for better philanthropy was driven by the work the company has been doing on financial inclusion. The Center for Inclusive Growth is an independent subsidiary of Mastercard, but we sit inside the company on purpose. What the CEO and board has said is that they really want to make sure the assets of the company are leveraged for social good and social impact.

When we were given the opportunity to look at the assets of the company and figure out strategies to leverage them for social good, it challenged us to go beyond just philanthropy and into new areas.

And so data philanthropy became the new initiative that the center took on. Primarily, with corporate philanthropy, the idea is that company’s assets are used for impact. To achieve this, we have to move beyond money. Mastercard have shown enormous leadership, saying “let’s think about data for good and social impact.” And that was really the driver for us.

This article on data for better philanthropy was written by Lisa Cornish at Devex International Development.