You're collecting better data. Now what? How to turn a strong CRM into real insights and compelling stories

Most nonprofits know they should be doing more with their data. Few actually get there. Here's what it looks like when one does.

Welcome to Making Space, our newsletter for nonprofit leaders navigating the real and challenging work of becoming more data-driven. In this issue: Beyond the Silo - Why do organizations working in the same area often have little visibility into each other's efforts? How to build a data-sharing platform. Critical Cartography Feature - Mapping the toll of urban renewal in Providence Awesome Nonprofit of the Month - NY Appleseed Let's get into it. Olivia & Charles from North

How do you coordinate across multiple organizations when services are complimentary, resources are limited, and when needs change faster than your teams can capture, update, and communicate?

The New York City Department of Transportation asked IDG to recommend where new relief stands should go. To answer that question, IDG partnered with North Arrow to turn a pressing concern into a data-driven plan for action.

Happy 2026! This year, we’re changing things up.

This month, we’re exploring what Executive Directors of some of New York’s most important nonprofits have to say about their journey in becoming more data-driven.

This month, we’re exploring how visualize impact at different scales, mapping diversity, place-based initiative support and what will happen at SOMOS!

This month, we’re exploring how to improve your annual appeals, pollution plumes and relief stands in NYC.

This month, we’re exploring how to collect, visualize, and communicate your program data systematically and effectively.

Over the past year, we’ve had the absolute pleasure of partnering with this brilliant early literacy nonprofit in Connecticut, helping them weave their data, programs, and impact into one powerful story.

This month, we’re exploring how to create impact dashboards that not only look good but also help nonprofits make better decisions and drive meaningful change.

North Arrow is now an Esri Nonprofit Specialty Partner, joining a select group recognized for advancing social impact through GIS and mapping. Learn what this milestone means for our mission.

Learn the 5-part blueprint for storytelling that drives impact, plus stories of data tools saved by activists and our new partnership with ESRI.

A simple way to create live-updating maps with Google Sheets and ArcGIS. This guide helps nonprofits build and maintain point layer maps.

We helped Mazí Housing leverage GIS at low costs by creating a live asylum seekers services map that they can maintain easily on their own.

Nonprofits need better tools for fundraising. We are convinced of the power of GIS to craft better stories and drive donations.

The Shanti Bhavan School has a unique transformative model worth sharing far & wide. Discover their work in their Interactive Annual Report!

As we celebrate a second year filled with maps and impact, we start 2025 with gratitude and a renewed sense of urgency.

Discover Land Cover Explorer, today's most ambitious project to democratize once inaccessible satellite imagery. A blessing for activism.

Nonprofits can and should use real time mapping technology to gain feedback from partners, collaborators and community members.

Asset mapping is a powerful tool for school district administrators & education advocates who want to equalize resources among their schools

We worked with Sunnyside Shines BID to develop a granular intelligence platform to visualize various public dataset and help the BID thrive.

Methane—a greenhouse gas far more impactful than carbon dioxide—is a major player in the climate crisis. Waste is where we can cut it fast.