Benefits for All
Lisa Pool
Technology Affinity Group
Agenda
• Simplify History
• What is Simplify?
• What is the GuideStar Exchange?
• Current Status
• Demo
• Call to Action – Sign up for Simplify Now!
2
Simplify History
Nov. 2013
Nov. 2011: Project
streamline report
Idea for
common
database
2012
Nov. 2012
TAG member
survey of
common data
TAG board
approves
project
2011
Simplify launched
Develop API
Fundraising
Branding
Beta Testing API
2012
2013
2012
2012
Nov. 2012
TAG
committee
formed
Identify
TAG partners
TAG and
GuideStar agree to
partner
3
What is
Simplify?
What is Simplify?
• Common Database (via GuideStar Exchange)
• NOT a Common Application
• Streamlined Application Process
• Nonprofits Enter Data Once
• Funders Access Data via Application Program Interface
(API)
• Standards-setting
• Data-sharing
5
Benefits to Funders
With Simplify, funders can:
• Help grantees save time and resources
• Increase accuracy of grantee applications
• Simplify the application process for themselves
• Provide ability to share data sector-wide
• Improve sector reporting
6
How Data Sharing Works
• Grantee creates a profile in the
GuideStar Exchange database using
its EIN as the identifier
– Grantees that already have their
information in the GuideStar Exchange do
not need to enter it again
• Once the grantee has a profile,
Simplify can access the data 3 ways
7
Data Sharing
SCENARIO 1
Funder has online application
form
Grantee enters
EIN into funder’s
online application
Funder’s application
automatically accesses
the GuideStar Exchange
Grantee’s profile
data populates
application
GuideStar
Exchange
8
Data Sharing
SCENARIO 2
Funder uses grants management
system
Funder enters
grantee EIN into
grant management
system (GMS)
Funder’s GMS
automatically accesses the
GuideStar Exchange
Grantee’s profile data
populates application
GuideStar
Exchange
9
Data Sharing
SCENARIO 3
Funder accepts application via
email or paper (no GMS)
Funder enters
EIN into Simplify
Directory of
Grantee Profiles
GuideStar Exchange
provides grantee’s profile
Funder gets PDF of
grantee’s profile
GuideStar
Exchange
10
Data Included in the Simplify API
• Organization Information
• Mission & Impact Statement
• Some NTEE Codes
• Financial Information
• People/Contact Information
• Uploaded Documents
• IRS Information
11
Data Standards
Consistent
Open
Transparent
• GuideStar Exchange API
• Simplify API
• Open Philanthropic Data eXchange (OPDX)
12
Standards Vision
• OPDX = worldwide standards for the sector
• Establish an independent global governance body for
standards-setting
• Expand beyond the initial core data
• Be a widely used, reliable source for data
13
What is
GuideStar
Exchange?
What is the GuideStar Exchange?
• Central repository of nonprofit data
• Connects nonprofits to potential supporters
• New in 2013 — what’s different
– More timely information
– Nonprofits login and update their own ‘nonprofit report’
• Three levels of participation, based on how
much information is shared
15
Exchange Bronze
16
Exchange Silver
17
Exchange Gold
18
Demonstration
2014 – 2016
Vendors Modify Software
Foundations
Sign up for Simplify
2014
Foundations Use
Simplify Data
Nonprofits Enter Data into
GuideStar Exchange
2015 & Beyond
Grants
Funding
GuideStar
2014–2016
Self-sustaining
2017 & Beyond
20
TAG’s Role
Fundraising
Adopt Standards
as TAG Members
Contribute to
Data Standards
Project Oversight
Outreach to
Funders
21
GuideStar’s Role
Technical
development
Contribute to data
standards
Outreach to
nonprofits
Marketing
expertise &
communications
Outreach to GMS
vendors
22
Simplify Project Funders
23
Costs
Grantees
$0
GMS Vendors
Invest to
modify their
software
OR
Negotiate
wholesale
pricing with
GuideStar
Funders
$750/yr
assets > $50M
$350/yr
assets < $50M
24
Participating Vendors — Simplify Launched in Product!
Additional vendors to come
25
Participating Vendors – Simplify in Development
Additional vendors to come
26
Why you should Simplify
Save nonprofits time and resources
Increase the accuracy of applications
Eliminate the duplication of efforts
Provide the ability to share data, report sector-wide
Help make the grantmaking process more efficient
27
Find out more at
www.simplifynow.org