Cultural Data Project

The Cultural Data Project (CDP) is an online system that enables arts and cultural organizations to enter financial, programmatic and operational data into a standardized online form. Organizations can then use the CDP to produce a variety of reports designed to help increase management capacity, identify strengths and challenges, and inform decision-making. They can also generate reports to be included as part of the application processes to participating grantmakers. Most of the major arts and culture grantmakers in California, including the Hewlett Foundation, utilize this site to inform their decision making.

The California Cultural Data Project is a groundbreaking statewide funder collaborative, using technology to collect and disseminate longitudinal, organizational, and financial information about the nonprofit arts and culture sector in California. The California Cultural Data Project, originally operated by Pew Charitable Trusts, but now overseen by the national Cultural Data Project, works to strengthen the sector through more effective financial management, analysis, and reporting by nonprofit arts and culture organizations. Renewed support would provide capital for implementation of a newly adopted strategic plan that calls for an updated technology platform, a fee-based business model, and a deeper engagement of arts and culture organizations.

Support for videoconferencing equipment would enable this far-reaching, national effort to streamline its communication efforts both within and outside of the organization.