Q3 Impact Summary
This summer has been a time to pause, reflect, and understand the pulse of the social sector. In the midst of growing challenges and opportunities, we’ve listened deeply, gathered insights, and grounded ourselves in where the field stands today. This collective reflection has not only strengthened our sense of purpose but also prepared us for the journey ahead.
As we look toward our Annual Convening, Connecting Knowledge, Catalyzing Change, we are ready to activate the lessons of 2025 so far to craft a bold vision—one that turns data into action and fuels lasting transformation for Puerto Rico. In this impact summary, we share the different tools, data, and spaces we have created to address the social sector’s current moment of transformation.
Below we share some highlights of the third quarter of the year with you!
Serving Philanthropy
Building Relationships
This September, our Members Brunch offered a space for dialogue and collective reflection. In an intimate and strategic gathering, members exchanged experiences, possibilities, and reflected on what is working—and what no longer serves us—to keep investing in a more equitable Puerto Rico in the current context. Grounded in our values of collaboration and collective responsibility, the brunch created room to recognize both the challenges and opportunities that shape our work, and to imagine where we can do more, together.
Members shared how they measure and track the work and impact of their co-partners (grantees), how grants can be designed to really sustain organizational infrastructure and what barriers non profits face to raise funds. This pause was not only a moment of connection, but also a step toward activating the knowledge, insights, and shared vision that will continue guiding us as catalysts for lasting change, and a great preamble to our upcoming Convening.
Collective Capacity
Our virtual workshop “Unlocking the Power of the Data Observatory” marked the official launch of the Data Observatory for Social Impact, bringing together funders to explore how accessible, real-time data can strengthen strategic philanthropy in Puerto Rico. Through a guided walkthrough, participants learned to navigate the Observatory’s features, uncover key insights, and how to apply them to investment decisions that respond to the sector’s most pressing needs. The session also introduced an upgraded FiPi — the Observatory’s AI-powered “data bestie” — which enables users to ask complex questions and access contextualized, evidence-based information with ease. Participants engaged in open discussion, sharing feedback and reflecting on how organizations can use data to maximize their impact and how the platform facilitates access to information that strengthens informed decision-making.
We also hosted the workshop “Usa los datos a tu favor: Cómo aprovechar el Observatorio de Filantropía Puerto Rico” designed specifically for nonprofit organizations on the island. This session offered practical guidance on how nonprofits can use reliable, up-to-date data to strengthen proposals, support strategic decision-making, and communicate impact with clarity and confidence. Participants explored ways to identify potential alliances by impact areas and learned how to engage in sector-wide conversations through the Observatory’s forums and spaces for exchange. By understanding how to position their organizations with stronger evidence and connections, attendees left with actionable tools to advance their missions and become key allies within Puerto Rico’s social sector ecosystem.
Building Strategies
This quarter we have been in the process of creating a unique experience for our members at our Annual Convening. From shaping the concept “Connecting Knowledge, Catalyzing Change” to coordinating logistics, every step has been designed to build a space that will help us tap into our imagination to envision Puerto Rico’s future. Through carefully curated exercises, interactive discussions, and opportunities for connection, the convening will provide a transformative space where members can share knowledge, align strategies, and catalyze lasting impact in Puerto Rico’s philanthropic sector through data. If you’re a member and haven’t registered yet, make sure to RSVP here.
Expanding Philanthropy
Raising Awareness
In response to the evolving challenges faced by Puerto Rico’s social sector, we opened the survey “Impacto Laboral en el Sector Social: Retención y Ajustes de Empleos” to capture real-time data on employment adjustments within nonprofit organizations. The survey garnered participation from 38 organizations, providing a snapshot of workforce changes over the past six months. Findings revealed that the same amount of organizations experienced opposite impacts on their staffing, 15 maintained stable staffing levels while another 15 organizations experienced staff reductions. Another 8 organizations added new positions to their teams. This data not only quantifies the sector’s labor dynamics but also serves as a critical tool for stakeholders to understand operational impacts, inform strategic decisions, and advocate for policies that support workforce stability in the social sector. This survey has been visited more than 130 times since its publication.
The second survey results we published this quarter was “¿Qué apoyo operativo necesita tu organización sin fines de lucro?”. This survey completed by 43 organizations revealed critical operational challenges in Puerto Rico’s social sector. The top needs identified were in data management, strategic communications, proposal writing, and human resources, payroll, and benefits—areas essential for long-term sustainability. The findings also show that most organizations operate with only partially automated processes, and while more than half have documented procedures, a significant share still relies on informal practices. These insights highlight the urgent need for targeted capacity-building investments to strengthen the sector’s impact and resilience. This survey has been visited more than 150 times since its publication.
Looking ahead, we have also initiated the development of the next generation of the Data Observatory for Social Impact. Following a series of ideation sessions and strategic discussions, we are developing a renewed experience that will strengthen how the social sector accesses and interacts with data. This new generation will bring new tools, streamlined access to reliable data, and features that empower organizations to make informed decisions, design effective strategies, and measure their impact. With this next step, we reaffirm our commitment to bring value for Puerto Rico’s social sector, ensuring that knowledge continues to serve as a catalyst for action and systemic change.
Attracting Resources
We surveyed our membership and the sector looking for clues in order for our services to be more valuable and able to attract new members and mobilize investment into Puerto Rico.
Lessons Learned and Actions from both surveys:
- FiPR is seen as a trusted, strategic backbone of the philanthropic ecosystem. Members and social sector orgs alike consistently view FiPR as valuable, connective, and catalytic.It is recognized not only for its services, but also for shaping the ecosystem through knowledge, convening power, and narrative influence.
- There is still a visibility and clarity gap. While FiPR is well known to members, some sector organizations are unclear on what FiPR offers and how to engage. This signals the need for more targeted communications and “onboarding” pathways for new or less-engaged actors.
- Connection, data, and capacity-building are FiPR’s core strengths. Across both surveys, the top three areas of value were: Access to networks and collaborations, Access to data for strategic decision-making and opportunities for capacity-building.
Transparency
During Q3, we had our third board meeting of the year, had our mid year employee development review, completed our 2024 audited financial statements and have improved our way of tracking our work and impact.
We have made some changes and advances in the way and tools we use to measure our performance and impact: For 2025 we have 6 efficiency goals (how well we turn resources into activities), 20 performance indicators (are we doing what we said we would?) and 10 impact indicators (are we making a difference beyond our outputs? Are we achieving our mission?). In Q3 we have achieved most of our efficiency goals and performance indicators.
We’re excited to share insights from our latest blog post, “We Assessed Our Strengths!” With our team now at three employees, we revisited our strengths assessment to optimize collaboration and productivity. The results? A more cohesive, efficient, and motivated team!