The DataLab
The DataLab
The Project
The DataLab (MaabaData) is an accelerator for data-driven work, measurement, and evaluation in social organizations. It combines training, peer learning, and the development of an applied organizational project. The lab's goal is to help organizations overcome common barriers such as limited knowledge, budget constraints, and lack of internal capacity, while equipping them with long-term tools and capabilities to embed data use in their work.
As part of the DataLab, teams from several social organizations working within a similar content area participate in four training sessions on data-driven social work, measurement, and evaluation. Between sessions, each organization undergoes a fast-paced, tailored process to develop a project focused on data infrastructure or evaluation—designed to meet its unique needs and goals, together with the SFI team.
Throughout the process, participating organizations share knowledge, insights, and challenges, benefiting not only from SFI’s expertise but also from the hands-on experience of their peers.
he DataLab is made possible through a collaborative effort between SFI and philanthropic foundations that contribute not only by funding the process, but equally by helping tailor it to the specific needs of the participating organizations and refining the joint work model.
To date, 18 organizations have taken part in the DataLab across three cohorts—two for grantee organizations of Yad Hanadiv foundation and one for grantees of the Shashua Family Foundation.
The Impact
By the end of the lab, each organization gains not only practical tools developed through the project (e.g., a program logic model, measurement framework, data collection tools, or dashboard specifications) but also with the skills and know-how to continue implementing data-driven work and meaningful evaluation within their ongoing practice.
By securing philanthropic support, working with multiple organizations in parallel, and focusing on capacity building, the DataLab creates a broad and lasting impact. It helps embed the mindsets, skills, and knowledge needed across the social sector, and expands the circle of organizations using data and measurement professionally to strengthen the effectiveness of social action.
Looking Ahead
We plan to continue running additional DataLab cohorts in the coming years, expanding the content to serve a wide range of social organizations across various fields. Future labs will focus on projects tailored to evolving organizational needs: measurement, data infrastructure, dashboard and report design, data visualization and reporting, and the development of AI tools
18
Social Organizations
3
Cohorts of the DataLab
14
Data-driven management tools were developed and implemented in organizations.
Partners
Yad Hanadiv, Shashua Family Foundation
Status
Ongoing
Service
Data Solutions for Social Issues
"I feel more confident presenting data. And when I need to present measurements, I go to the person in charge and say: ‘Remember the session we had? Show me a few ways we could present this.’ […] Our community director is already speaking a different language—thinking about how to measure, what’s needed in order to measure."
Building an Organizational Index
Evaluating the Impact of Edmond de Rothschild Partnerships’ Leadership Development Program
Investment in the project
Mefathim
Integrating Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Men in Hi-Tech
Decrease in Number of Dropouts
Leap to Higher Education
Social Impact Bond to Reduce Higher Education Dropout Rates
