The Directory of Social Change (DSC) and GuideStar International (GSI) today announced that ownership of www.guidestar.org.uk, the free public website, and GuideStar Data Services, a community interest company providing bespoke information, has been transferred from GSI to DSC. This combines the most detailed repository of information about charities and the voluntary sector with the largest publisher of information for those who work in it. Read the Press Release.
DSC CEO Debra Tyler says:
“The potential here is immense. Today an entity was created which can refresh and strengthen our vital sector at a crucial time. We are excited about how GDS’ unique service supports our mission of connecting people, and working towards social change. Together we can improve everyone’s understanding of what charities are and do in 2010, including politicians and policy makers, academics and the wider public.
“DSC’s vision is an independent voluntary sector at the heart of social change, and GuideStar provides more tools to make this happen. This unique factual resource will expand and deepen our knowledge. Together we will get more of the right information to the people who need it so that charities can be more effective in achieving their ambitions. There will be a programme of new services rolled out in the coming months, starting with one to help funders make more informed grantmaking decisions.”
DSC’s Chair, Nick Seddon, says:
“We are excited about this new venture. DSC has extensive experience and expertise, and GuideStar will enable us to analyse and share both specialised and general information for and about the sector. It fits perfectly with our charitable objects: we believe we will be able to improve everyone’s understanding of the sector, we will be able to increase our impact as an organisation, and we will be able to increase our contribution to civil society.”
Buzz Schmidt, founder of GuideStar and CEO of GuideStar International, says:
“We have long admired DSC for its commitment to fostering an independent charity sector in the UK and its work as connector, facilitator and cheer leader for the many thousands of small and medium sized charities that are the life blood of the sector throughout the country. We are confident that DSC is the right home for www.guidestar.org.uk and GDS and that it will wholeheartedly advance GuideStar’s mission to promote greater public understanding of the work of charities.”
