GivingData

GivingData was founded in 2009 by Alf Gracombe, who established the company to help foundations better organize, visualize, and utilize their grantmaking data to improve decision-making and philanthropic impact. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, GivingData designs purpose-built tools that streamline grant management, collaboration with nonprofit partners, and data-driven philanthropy. The company has positioned itself as the fastest-growing grants management system (GMS) for private and independent foundations, emphasizing user experience and technology tailored to the philanthropic sector.

• Founded in 2009 by Alf Gracombe, a seasoned developer with over 20 years of experience in web-based solutions for nonprofits and foundations.

• Initially started as a data overlay tool complementing existing grant management systems, it evolved into a fully integrated, purpose-built GMS platform.

• Over time, GivingData has expanded its client base to hundreds of grantmakers, including notable foundations like The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the Houston Endowment.

• The company has grown steadily, now employing between 50 and 200 staff members, including technologists, designers, strategists, and customer success professionals.

• In recent years, GivingData appointed Liz Fischer as CEO, with founder Alf Gracombe remaining on the board in an advisory capacity, signaling a maturing leadership structure.