Service Provider Networks and Data Standards work together to help organizations collect and report data in a more consistent, meaningful way. They are designed to reduce manual effort, improve data quality, and make it easier to understand impact—whether you are reporting on your own programs or collaborating with partners.
What are Data Standards?
A Data Standard is a defined set of fields or forms that standardizes how data is collected and structured in Apricot. Instead of each program or organization collecting similar information in slightly different ways, Data Standards create a shared structure that keeps reporting aligned.
Data Standards can be used in two primary ways:
Within a single organization, to simplify internal reporting across programs, grants, or funders
Across multiple organizations, to support shared reporting through a Service Provider Network
Using Data Standards helps reduce duplicate data entry, improve consistency, and increase confidence in reported results. They also prepare data for reporting tools like Impact Hub by ensuring information is structured in a reliable, report-ready way.
What are Service Provider Networks?
A Service Provider Network is a way for multiple Apricot organizations to collaborate around shared goals and reporting needs. In a Network, a lead organization can share Data Standards with partner organizations, helping everyone collect and report data using the same definitions.
Networks are especially useful when:
Multiple organizations report to the same funder
Collective outcomes need to be measured across programs or sites
Partners want aligned reporting without rebuilding forms from scratch
Participation in a Network is optional. Organizations that are not part of a Network can still create and use Data Standards on their own to improve reporting.
How they work together
Data Standards are the foundation. Networks extend that foundation by enabling sharing and collaboration.
In practice:
A lead organization or administrator defines a Data Standard
Other organizations can adopt the standard as-is or map it to existing fields
Each organization remains in control of its own data and implementation choices
Nothing is shared automatically. Organizations choose whether to adopt or map a Data Standard and can review or update their implementation over time.
Why this matters
Together, Service Provider Networks and Data Standards help organizations spend less time reconciling data and more time using it. By aligning data collection upfront, reporting becomes faster, clearer, and more credible—supporting stronger decisions and more compelling stories about impact.