This time, the training consisted of three in-person days followed by three online sessions between October 6 and November 5, 2025. An exciting program was on the agenda for the in-person days at the Bertelsmann Stiftung in Berlin. The globally renowned data pioneer Stefaan Verhulst from Data Tank led the course. He and his team emphasized that the people within an organization are crucial when it comes to the organization’s systematic and sustainable use of data.
Guest speakers included Martin Wählisch from the University of Birmingham, Johannes Jacob from the German Society for International Cooperation and Peter Larsen from Smart City Insights. Participants gained valuable insights during their field trips to the Vodafone Institute for Society & Communications, City Lab Berlin and the NGO Tactical Tech.
19 new data stewards in civil society organizations
The 19 participants work for civil society organizations active in Germany or internationally. These included the German Red Cross, AWO Berlin, Neuland 21, Wikirate International and the Norwegian Refugee Council. They had previously applied for the free course and were now given the opportunity to launch their own data project or advance an existing one.
The individual data projects focused, for example, on how data can be used to promote democracy, how to set up a dedicated data portal and how to expand data partnerships. The intensive course also provided ample opportunity for networking and making new contacts. What’s more, the data stewards are now part of a global alumni network.
Data literacy in civil society
Responsible and competent data management can benefit civil society organizations in many ways. On the one hand, a solid data foundation makes it possible for projects and programs to be designed and implemented more effectively and efficiently. On the other, the data can serve as a tool that supports the organization’s mission and helps secure the necessary resources.
Through its intensive course for data stewards, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is helping to improve data literacy in civil society. The course is also laying the long-term foundation for civil society organizations to make more of their data available as open data. Our Data Atlas for Civil Society serves as a resource to support this effort.
