Choosing a Starting Point

Start where you are.
Not where you wish you were.

Three clear entry points. The assessment is always free. The right starting point depends on what you need to know first — and how much internal capacity you have to act on it.

Three Entry Points

Where should you start?

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Start with the Data Maturity Assessment

The right starting point for any organization that doesn't yet have a clear picture of where its data practices actually stand. The assessment is free, takes 15–20 minutes, and produces a scored result across seven domains that tells you and SSA exactly where to focus.

This is your starting point if
  • You don't know your maturity level
  • A funder has asked about your data practices
  • You need a baseline before making data investments
  • You want to demonstrate data governance readiness
Take the Free Assessment →
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Start with Data Strategy

For organizations that have some sense of their data situation but need to connect data priorities to organizational goals, funding requirements, and program outcomes. Data strategy frameworks and alignment tools help you build a roadmap before investing in systems.

This is your starting point if
  • You're planning a new CRM or data system investment
  • Leadership needs a shared data vision
  • You have a board or funder asking about your data strategy
  • You've completed the DMA and need next steps
Data Strategy & AI Readiness →
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Start with AI Readiness

For organizations that are already using AI tools — or are being pressured to adopt them — but haven't yet built the data foundation that makes AI reliable. The AI Readiness Assessment identifies the governance, infrastructure, and data quality conditions that need to be in place before AI can deliver consistent results.

This is your starting point if
  • Your staff is using AI tools without a policy
  • A funder has asked about your AI governance
  • You're evaluating AI tools for fundraising or programs
  • You've been told you're not "AI-ready"
AI Readiness Assessment →
Find Your Starting Point

Not sure? Answer one question.

What's the most important thing you need to know right now?

→ Start with the Data Maturity Assessment

The DMA is a 46-question, 7-domain evaluation that gives you an honest, scored picture of where your organization stands. It's free, takes 15–20 minutes, and is the front door to everything else. Results are immediate.

Begin the Free Assessment →

→ Start with Data Governance

The Bronze governance template library gives you everything you need to establish clear ownership, shared definitions, and documented policies — independently, at your own pace. Or, if you want SSA to facilitate, that's Silver.

See the Governance Products →

→ Start with Analytics & KPI

Before you can build reliable analytics, you need defined metrics and a governed data foundation. Start with the DMA to establish the baseline, then the KPI framework and FI Platform build on it.

See Analytics Products →

→ Start with AI Readiness

The AI Readiness Assessment builds on your DMA results to identify what governance, infrastructure, and data quality conditions need to be in place before AI delivers consistent results. It's included in the Bronze package.

See Data Strategy & AI Readiness →
Common Questions

Answers before you start.

Do I need to take the assessment before buying Bronze?
The assessment is included in the Bronze Buy-In Package and is the first thing you'll complete. You can also take it for free before purchasing — many organizations do. The assessment is free for all organizations, no account required.
What if I don't have a data team?
Bronze is specifically designed for organizations without a dedicated data function. The templates are structured to be completed by program, operations, or leadership staff — people who know the work, not people who know data engineering. The SSA scoring guide walks you through interpreting your results.
What's the difference between Bronze self-guided and Silver facilitated?
At Bronze, you complete the assessment independently, apply the governance templates at your own pace, and use your results to work through the data strategy and AI readiness frameworks. There is no SSA facilitation at Bronze. At Silver, SSA leads the assessment process, delivers a facilitated findings review, and implements governance or analytics alongside your team.
Can I share my assessment results with funders?
Yes. The assessment credential — "Steward Certified: Data Governance & Quality" — is specifically designed to be shared with foundations, boards, and funders as verifiable evidence of your organization's data governance commitment. The badge is earned by submitting your results for independent SSA review. Badge eligibility is unlocked by completing Bronze.
How do I know if Silver is right for me?
You have completed the templates and can see the gaps — but not why the gaps exist or which one to fix first. Or you have data product outputs in hand and need SSA's interpretation to move from findings to organizational action. Both of those are Silver signals.
Still Not Sure?

Start with 30 minutes.

A free data maturity conversation — 30 minutes, no commitment — identifies the right fit and tier before you spend anything. Or start with the free assessment and the score will tell you.

Take the Free Assessment → Schedule a Conversation