Karami & Kulakova - Data Science for Social Good: Making Impact in Resource-Constrained Environments

Correlate Netherlands is a nonprofit network of 300 data enthusiasts in Netherlands (2,500+ across Europe) focused on using data science for social good

Projects typically involve 4-6 volunteers working for 3-6 months, with volunteers spending ≤4 hours per week to accommodate busy schedules

Small/mid-sized nonprofits face three main constraints:

• Limited budgets restricting access to tools and trained personnel
• Limited time for data initiatives
• Limited scope/expertise in data science

Impact strategies:

• Focus on achievable goals within time constraints
• Build maintainable solutions nonprofits can support themselves
• Break projects into manageable milestones
• Create automated data pipelines to save time

Success requires more than just technical skills:

• Data storytelling capabilities
• Understanding nonprofit unique needs
• Ability to communicate and build trust
• Project scoping and management expertise

Featured project examples:

• SLK: Forest protection visualization in Kosovo
• BankTrack: Automated tracking of bank sustainability policies
• Crowd Fight: Scientific volunteer matching for COVID research

Data helps nonprofits in three key ways:

• Informs decision-making
• Enables monitoring of current situations
• Uncovers complex patterns

Solutions must consider:

• Privacy regulations
• Resource constraints
• Long-term sustainability
• Knowledge transfer to nonprofit staff