Nonprofits need tools to visualize and analyze information effectively. Over the years, I have used several geographic information systems (GIS), but my favorite is ESRI’s ArcGIS platform, the industry gold standard. This platform offers incredible capabilities that can revolutionize how nonprofits operate, engage communities, and secure funding. Despite its potential, most nonprofits I encounter are missing out on this opportunity. Here’s why I’ve found ArcGIS to be a game-changer and how to access and maximize its benefits.

I developed my fondness for ArcGIS as the COO of a child welfare nonprofit focused on preventing child abuse and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We used ArcGIS for various needs, but I became enamored with its ability to engage community stakeholders and help direct prevention efforts through interactive map creation. 

The tools were proven yet again useful to me as the CEO of a nonprofit that works to reach seniors at the greatest risk with resources and support. The ability to “show, don’t tell” stakeholders was extremely helpful, and the tool’s psychographic abilities delivered to great effect. 

Perhaps the final selling point for me was ArcGIS’s ability to motivate funders. Whether incorporated in program reports, marketing, and PR materials, or grant proposals, these visuals clearly explained complicated topics, built trust and credibility, and motivated our audiences to act. 

As a consultant, I’ve seen ArcGIS support nonprofit needs in various ways. An environmental conservation group mapped areas of deforestation, analyzed patterns, and presented this data to stakeholders and funders, creating the sense of urgency they needed.  

A nonprofit working on homelessness used ArcGIS to map hotspots and track changes over time so that it could coordinate services more effectively. 

An educational nonprofit used ArcGIS to visualize student performance data across different regions, identifying areas that required additional resources. The data was then used to advocate for targeted funding and interventions, ensuring that support was directed where it was most needed.

If the ArcGIS suite of tools is new to you, it’s designed to capture, analyze, and visualize the intersection of geographic and other forms of data, such as demographics or infrastructure. For nonprofits, this means transforming complex data into compelling maps and visual stories that are easy to understand and share. By using ArcGIS, organizations can:

1. Support Program Work: ArcGIS can help nonprofits map out service areas, identify community needs, and track program impact. For example, a food bank can use ArcGIS to map out food distribution points and identify underserved areas, ensuring resources are allocated where they are most needed. Similarly, a health nonprofit can use GIS to track disease outbreaks and target interventions more effectively.
2. Enhance Community Engagement: Interactive maps and visualizations created with ArcGIS can engage community members and stakeholders in a meaningful way. According to ESRI, visual content is processed 60,000 times faster than text, making it an effective tool for communication and advocacy. For instance, a nonprofit focusing on urban development can use ArcGIS to show proposed changes and gather community feedback through interactive maps.
3. Improve Funding Opportunities: Grantmakers are increasingly looking for data-driven insights and clear evidence of impact. Nonprofits that use ArcGIS to present their data can demonstrate their effectiveness and transparency, making them more attractive to funders. A study by TechSoup found that nonprofits using advanced data visualization tools are 30% more likely to secure funding. By presenting data in visually compelling ways, nonprofits can more effectively communicate their impact and make a stronger case for support.
4. Foster Collaboration and Partnerships: ArcGIS facilitates collaboration by providing a common platform where different stakeholders can visualize data and work together. For example, multiple nonprofits working on disaster relief can use shared GIS data to coordinate their efforts, ensuring that aid reaches the areas most in need. This level of collaboration can lead to more effective and comprehensive solutions.

One of ArcGIS’s standout features is its ability to turn complex data into clear, actionable insights through effective information design. This is crucial for nonprofits, as it allows them to communicate their work and impact more effectively to a broad audience. 

Information design in ArcGIS enables nonprofits to:

• Articulate Complex Concepts: GIS maps and visualizations can simplify complex data, making it easier for stakeholders to understand issues at a glance. For example, a public health nonprofit can use ArcGIS to show the spread of a disease outbreak, helping policymakers grasp the urgency and allocate resources accordingly.
• Facilitate Quick Decision-Making: Clear, well-designed maps enable quick comprehension, which is vital in crisis situations or when making strategic decisions. Nonprofits can use real-time data to respond to emergencies more effectively, whether it’s a natural disaster or a sudden increase in community needs.
• Engage and Inform Donors: Visually engaging presentations of data can capture the interest of potential donors and keep current supporters informed. Donors are more likely to invest in organizations that can clearly demonstrate their impact through data.

ESRI offers discounted licenses for nonprofits, making it more accessible for organizations with limited budgets. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Eligibility: Nonprofits must provide proof of their 501(c)(3) status (or equivalent) to qualify for discounted licenses.
2. Application Process: Visit the ESRI Nonprofit Program website and complete the application form. You will need to provide details about your organization and how you plan to use ArcGIS.
3. Cost: While the pricing varies, ESRI typically offers substantial discounts for nonprofits. For example, a standard ArcGIS Online or Desktop subscription may be available for as little as $100 a year! This is a fraction of the commercial user price. Additionally, ESRI often provides grants or special offers to support smaller nonprofits.
4. Training and Support: ESRI provides resources and training to help nonprofits get the most out of their ArcGIS tools. This includes online courses, webinars, and a community forum where users can share best practices and tips. Furthermore, many local universities and community colleges offer GIS courses that can help build internal capacity.

As someone who has spent over two decades looking for ways to improve nonprofit operational efficiency, I believe ArcGIS is an invaluable tool for enhancing program work, engaging communities, and securing more funding. Despite its potential, I am surprised so many organizations have yet to embrace this technology. By integrating ArcGIS into operations, nonprofits can transform data into powerful stories, making complex concepts easily understandable and actionable. This not only supports their mission but also makes a compelling case to grantmakers and other stakeholders.

If your nonprofit hasn’t yet explored the benefits of ESRI ArcGIS, now is the time! By leveraging these tools, you can take your organization’s impact to new heights and ensure that your programs are as effective as possible.