Examining the Role of Business Intelligence in Non-profit Organizations to Support Strategic Social Goals

Many non-profit organizations have prioritized the need to be transparent in operating procedures, allocation of funds, and the impact of programs aimed at reducing social issues. In an effort to support this practical business need, we highlight how non-profits utilize information systems (IS) to support their strategic social goals through a case study. We examine business intelligence (BI) practices at a United Way affiliate that created new knowledge on the impact of its programs in the community. The United Way affiliate derived value from the organization´s utilization of an integrated data system which provided visual and spatial map analyses and traditional analytical reports. We examine the relationship between BI-facilitated intellectual capital and its resultant impact on the non-profit´s social goal. Lastly, we discuss lessons learned and provide recommendations for other non-profit organizations engaging in BI practices.