Global Philanthropy Forum

Economists argue that ready access to timely information is essential to efficient commercial markets. The same is true for “markets for good,” social-sector activities undertaken by philanthropies and those they support in pursuit of the public good. Yet the sector — despite its hunger for impact — lacks a coherent information infrastructure that provides real-time information on what works, what doesn’t and where precise interventions could make a decisive difference. Panelists will discuss what it takes to build a knowledge commons — from setting standards and reporting protocols, to building platforms, to the widespread embrace of a norm of openness — and a commitment to field-wide learning.