In a digital age where data drives decisions, nonprofits like Kundiman, dedicated to nurturing Asian American literature, often find themselves grappling with the complexities of fragmented information systems. To help solve these complexities, enter JPMorganChase’s Force for Good program—an initiative under the Tech for Social Good umbrella that exemplifies how corporate expertise can empower nonprofits to overcome technological hurdles and amplify their impact.

Since 2004, Kundiman has long been a sanctuary for Asian American writers, offering retreats, online classes, and workshops. With over 250 writers participating in their retreats and around 400 books published by their fellows, Kundiman's contributions to the literary world continue to have lasting impact. However, as Kundiman’s audience and programs expanded, so has the complexity of data collection efforts necessary for Kundiman’s operations.

Historically, Kundiman managed contacts through a donor management software and collected data via various survey forms. This led to inconsistencies, especially in tracking ethnic identities. Participants used varied terms to describe their backgrounds, making it difficult to standardize and analyze demographic information accurately.

The challenge for Kundiman was to unify these data sources, reduce manual data handling, and improve data quality. The Force for Good team, impressed by Kundiman's mission and work, dove into solving this issue with an off-the-shelf workflow automation tool to integrate and automate data flow between the various platforms. This approach ensures that data collected from multiple sources can be updated seamlessly in the central tool, eliminating manual entry and reducing errors.

The impact of this project extended beyond mere data integration. It empowered Kundiman to visualize demographic trends and identify underserved communities. As the needs of Asian American communities shifted due to the pandemic and economic crises, accurate demographic tracking became essential.  A 2022 report by Equitable Growth highlighted that Asian Americans faced longer unemployment periods and higher poverty rates in New York City than other racial groups. With this information, Kundiman's ability to adapt and expand their support became even more crucial.

The project’s success was a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of all involved. The Force for Good team not only delivered a technological solution, but also provided training and documentation to ensure Kundiman’s staff could sustain the new system independently. This comprehensive approach solidified long-term benefits and sustainability for Kundiman.

The Force for Good program’s collaboration with Kundiman is an example of how targeted, thoughtful technological solutions can drive significant social impact. It underscores the importance of the Force for Good’s continued support and innovation in the nonprofit sector, ensuring that nonprofits like Kundiman can thrive and continue their vital work.