Leveraging open data to to shed light on the intersections and gaps within the US nonprofit ecosystem over time and across key dimensions
Our Vision
The IRS regularly releases nonprofit tax filings each year, but the complexity of the data makes it difficult for most users to extract meaningful insight. The Nonprofit Ecosystem Mapping Project, a research project leveraging GivingTuesday’s 990 Data Infrastructure, is designed to change that. Developed in close collaboration with academic and industry researchers, this initiative explores new ways to examine relationships, patterns, and structures within the nonprofit ecosystem.
This phase is intentionally exploratory. We are testing modern analytical techniques—including natural language processing and other machine-learning methods—to demonstrate what new insights can be uncovered when 990 data is modeled, connected, and analyzed at scale. As part of this work, we are publishing new data models, documentation, and openly accessible datasets for the research community.
All findings and lessons learned will be synthesized in a comprehensive 2026 report. By building on a robust 990 infrastructure and sharing our methods openly, the Nonprofit Ecosystem Mapping Project aims to leave behind a durable resource that strengthens how researchers, funders, and practitioners understand the nonprofit landscape
Project Assets
This section includes current and future assets related to the Nonprofit Mapping Project releases.
Data Marts
Download tailored research ready extracts of the full 990, 990PF and 990EZ datasets directly via your browser.
Data Models
Leverage our structured data models to retrieve standardized, analysis-ready representations of the 990 dataset.
Annotated Dataset (forthcoming)
Drawing on other datasets highlighted above, GivingTuesday will prepare a report that summarizes learnings from existing datasets to help understand the giving ecosystem
Community Testing
Over the past year, we’ve been developing a new set of tools to better illuminate how funding flows across the nonprofit ecosystem. With feedback from our focus groups, we’ve refined our segmentation approach and built early models that make key nonprofit data more accessible. We’re now ready to open this work up more broadly through a public beta.
Sign up here to help us refine the tools, identify gaps, and shape the next stage of the Nonprofit Mapping Project.
Project Roadmap
The beta release marks the first milestone in a multi-phase effort to build a comprehensive view of funding flows across the nonprofit sector. Over the coming months, we’ll continue refining our segmentation models, expanding the scope of included datasets, and developing new tools to support researchers, funders, and practitioners. Future releases will incorporate additional model transparency, visualizations, and deeper analyses as we integrate community feedback and real-world use cases.
Supported By
Who We Are
GivingTuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World.
GivingTuesday reimagines a world built upon shared humanity and generosity.
Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life.
The GivingTuesday Data Commons is a global network that enables data collaboration across the social sector. With more than 180 data partners and 2,000 collaborators, the Data Commons convenes specialist working groups, conducts collaborative research into giving behaviors, reveals trends in generosity and donations, and shares findings among its global community.