a word about data

As a foundation, we’re always looking not for the biggest problems, but for the problems with the biggest opportunities—and we firmly believe that taking full advantage of those opportunities depends on evidence-based analysis of what works and what doesn’t.

For us, data about performance are the only litmus test of whether our mission is being served or not. No matter what portfolio we’re working in – health, education or microfinance—we have to understand how the children and families we’re trying to affect are actually doing. So we invest a huge amount of time, energy and resources in understanding data about the initiatives we support. It’s in our DNA.

This conviction spans our work in all geographies. But while our belief in data is consistent, our approach to data varies depending on context. For instance, the US is data rich, while India and South Africa are data poor. Ironically, both situations have the same net effect: It’s hard to extract actionable information that points the way forward. And that syndrome is true on the frontlines of our partners’ work as much as it’s true in our boardroom.

For us, data always has to have a practical purpose. Just collecting statistics is not enough; just publishing reports is not enough. The goal is always action and improvement, which is why we work closely with our partners not only to identify the right data to capture, but also to develop the right processes and systems to ensure that data drives a cycle of continuous, scalable, measurable improvements in the lives of impoverished urban children and their families. The quality of these children’s outcomes is the gold standard for us. And the data give us the confidence to know when we’ve met that standard, to assess when we need to double down and do more, and to evaluate where we need to direct our resources next.

Lori Fey, Policy Initiatives

Barun Mohanty, India and International