What is data maturity?

Discovering and understanding your data foundations is key to allowing your organisation to use, protect, and share your data safely and effectively.

In today’s digital landscape, data is important for many reasons. Not-for-profits need to evaluate their programs, leaders need data for decision-making, and artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming data from simple numbers into tools and solutions. However, for many Australian organisations supporting people and communities, the idea of building data capability can feel overwhelming. Limited resources, time, and technical know-how can make it challenging to know where to start using your organisation’s data to support your cause.

That’s where understanding your Data Maturity becomes essential. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about understanding where you are now and identifying the most impactful steps to move your not-for-profit forward.

Why Data Maturity is important

As the world strives ahead with faster and faster advancements in the Tech and AI world, improving your level of data maturity has never been more important for the resilience and longevity of your organisation.

Your efforts to improve your data can be waylaid by factors like changes in staff, economic headwinds, and lack of leadership buy-in.

Core components of Data Maturity

Data, tools and infrastructure

How is your data stored? What tools are you using to access and analyse your data? Are there multiple sources of data, or one single source of truth? These are all important questions to ask when it comes to establishing the maturity of your data, tools and infrastructure.

Analytical and visualisation capability

Can you effectively analyse your data, and visualise this in a way to engage your key stakeholders, clients and audiences? Make your data work to support your organisation’s mission.

Data culture and leadership

How does your staff use data? Is everyone on board when it comes to data security, and are they aware of the capabilities and possibilities available to best utilising the data you have? Getting your organisation on board for your data journey is key to establishing a data mature organisation.

Map your Data Maturity

How your organisation utilised and protects your data can be mapped across a data maturity framework.

Component	Challenge	Basic	Intermediate	Advanced
Data, tools and infrastructure	Spreadsheets are the main data tool. Data may be incomplete or dirty.	Data is clean and quality is sufficient for reporting and analysis purposes.	Cloud-based storage and analytical capability is used. The organisation values efficient information sharing using centralised group tools. Regular KPI reports are primarily automated.	Data is stored in a warehouse or lake. An effective single source of truth exists for important data entities, with supporting data and enterprise architectures.
Analytical and visualisation capability	Data is not effectively managed.	Important data is managed and analysed. Simple but valued reports track key KPIs for decision-making processes.	Data is analysed and shared to support managerial decisions, driving/shaping service improvements across the organisation. A business analyst, evaluator or similar role exists with data capability.	Analytics demonstrates how the organisation is performing relative to external data sources or client groups. Predictive analytics identifies trends and addresses emerging problems facing clients. Prescriptive analytics drives appropriate program decisions. Machine learning/Artificial intelligence is utilised effectively. Data science capability exists within the organisation and data teams work across business and program areas.
Data culture and leadership	Data plans are not well established. Data structure not resourced.	Staff use data at times to identify problems and potential solutions.	Outcomes and impact are used in practice (e.g. theory of change). A funded data improvement plan, exists (potentially part of an IT or M&E strategy). Managers value data and the insights it brings.	Data strategy is integrated with business strategy and M&E, and internal systems. Data capability sits within every PD, and staff receives tailored training to their role to maximise the use of data.

Getting started with Data Foundations

Our Data and Analytics Assessment is a free and easy-to-use tool designed specifically for not-for-profits to:

Understand your current data capability across key areas like leadership, culture, tools, and skills.
Prioritise your actions by showing where small changes can make a big difference.
Access tailored resources to help you plan and grow your data maturity over time.

You don’t need to be a data expert to get started. The assessment is designed for all organisations including those with basic capability and limited time. It’s a practical way to build confidence and momentum.

» Begin the quiz

Building data capability doesn’t have to be daunting. By taking a few minutes to complete the assessment, you’ll gain clarity and direction, as well as access to support that’s designed for organisations like yours. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, this is your chance to take a meaningful step forward.

Your data journey starts here. Measure what matters and let your insights drive impact.

What is data maturity?

Why Data Maturity is important