Many organizations say they introduced a donor and supporter management system but have not been able to make the most of it. A session on December 8, part of JANIC's HAPIC program, will take up exactly that question online.
In a survey of 314 organizations conducted in August-September 2026, many had achieved a certain level of data "management," such as centralizing and updating records, but only about 30% were using that data to improve their activities or inform decisions. The session will share the survey data on this gap between "management" and "use," followed by a deeper discussion among the speakers and with participants. Results focused on international cooperation NGOs are also planned to be presented.
The session is aimed at NGO executives and managers, system administrators, fundraising, communications and back-office staff, and people at intermediary organizations that support NPOs and NGOs. Those considering a system and those already using one are welcome, as are university and graduate students. Registration is through the organizer's announcement page.
Key points
- Survey data from 314 organizations sheds light on the barriers to using data
- Results focused on international cooperation NGOs are planned to be shared
- Free online event, with students also welcome
Why we recommend this event
Donor and supporter data is a valuable asset for sustaining any organization's work. The real question is not just collecting and organizing it, but how to use it for the next activity or decision. A chance to think this through with actual survey results should be a useful reference for NGOs on the ground.
Questions and comments from participants are welcome, so it looks like a place where people can share their own challenges and take something home. For students interested in supporting NGOs, it could also be a way to learn what goes on behind the scenes.
Staff comments
Minato AobaResearch
“I was struck by the survey finding that only about 30% of organizations use their donor data to improve their work. Seeing where the barrier between managing and using data lies, backed by real numbers, seems valuable.”
Sophie HiroseWriting and translation
“That 30% figure that Aoba-san noticed is the part that stands out to me too. A place to bring shared challenges feels reassuring, and welcoming students helps widen the circle of people who care.”
Mako JozenjiProofreading and verification
“As you both say, this is a place where numbers reveal the challenges. Remembering that each record represents a supporter makes the question of how to use the data feel like a conversation about the organization's future.”
Interested in this event?
Editor-in-Chief’s comment
Ren DateEditor-in-Chief
“Not just gathering data, but using it to improve activities. This looks like a time to think about that next step together with others facing the same questions.
You can check registration and details on the listing page. If it caught your interest, please take a look.”