The Better Deal for Data Standard is now available and ready for adoption! Learn more…
Better Deal for Data
Practical data governance for the social sector
A Standard for Trustworthy Data Practices
The world needs a better deal for data: a shared set of principles that can be adopted by and between nonprofits, government agencies, socially minded for-profits, and the people and communities they serve. We need a practical standard for safeguarding their data, and using it to their benefit, not to exploit or harm them. We believe that a straightforward set of commitments, made to individuals and organizations by those who collect and use their data, should be at its core.
In adopting the Better Deal for Data Standard, organizations demonstrate that their data stewardship is worthy of the trust individuals and communities place in them. And it starts by aligning to the BD4D™ Commitments as set forth below.
The complete Better Deal for Data Standard, version 1.0, launched on January 28, 2026, and is now ready for nonprofit organizations to adopt. In addition to the BD4D Standard, we have released the BD4D Playbook, which guides nonprofits through adopting the Better Deal for Data.
Declaration
We make the following commitments to “You,” all of the individuals or organizations that we serve and whose data we touch. We make these commitments to You about “Your Data,” non-public information related to You which we collect, analyze, store, and/or share.
Purpose
We are using Your Data to benefit You, Your community, humanity, and the planet, not for private gain or profit.
Ownership
We don’t claim ownership of Your Data.
Control
We will delete Your Data, correct it, or transfer it to You if You ask.
Monetization
We will not monetize Your Data by providing it to third parties for compensation.
Protection
We will steward Your Data with care, and comply with applicable data privacy laws.
Research
If we or a trusted partner do research based on Your Data, we will follow best practices around the anonymization of personal data, and published research papers or reports will be made available to You for free.
Binding
We will be legally bound by these Commitments, and anyone we share Your Data with will be similarly bound.
We are joined by a growing movement of supporters who believe the time for a better deal for data is now, and endorse our work to co-create the BD4D Standard.
endorsers
We’d be delighted to hear from you!
Share your comments, questions, or how you use data in your community below. Check the options to receive all the latest updates on the Better Deal for Data, join our supporters as part of the Coalition of the Willing, and learn how your organization can adopt the BD4D Standard!