Is Looker Studio free to use?

Yes. Google Looker Studio offers a free version with core features such as dashboard creation, data connectors, and report sharing.

Does it require coding skills?

No. Looker Studio uses a drag-and-drop interface, allowing users to create dashboards without coding.

Can it integrate with other tools?

Yes. It connects with Google tools like Sheets, Analytics, and BigQuery, as well as third-party data sources.

Can dashboards be shared with stakeholders?

Yes. Dashboards can be shared via links or access permissions, enabling collaboration and easy distribution.

Is Looker Studio suitable for nonprofits with limited resources?

Yes. Its free version and ease of use make it suitable for nonprofits looking to build reporting capabilities without significant investment.

Looker Studio

Lightweight dashboarding tool for real-time data visualisation using Google tools.

Looker Studio, previously known as Google Data Studio, is a free, web-based tool designed for data visualization and business intelligence. It empowers users to build interactive dashboards and reports by connecting to a wide array of data sources.

Data visualisation and reporting challenges for nonprofits

Challenge

Programme data is often spread across spreadsheets, analytics tools, and MIS systems

Reporting for funders and leadership is time-consuming and manually compiled

Static reports (Excel or PDF) are difficult to update, share, and explore

Solution

Looker Studio enables organisations to create interactive, real-time dashboards connected directly to their data sources, reducing manual reporting effort and improving visibility

Key capabilities of Looker Studio

Drag-and-drop dashboard builder

Build interactive dashboards without writing code, using charts, tables, and scorecards

Live data connections

Connect directly to Google Sheets, Analytics, BigQuery, and other sources to keep dashboards up to date

Interactive filters and controls

Allow users to explore data by date, geography, programme, or other dimensions

Sharing and collaboration

Share dashboards via links with controlled access for internal teams or external stakeholders

Template library

Use pre-built templates for common reporting needs such as campaign tracking or programme dashboards

Calculated fields

Create custom metrics and transformations without modifying the original data source

Language support

Looker Studio interface is available in multiple languages, including Hindi. Data can be visualised in any language supported by the connected data source.

Looker Studio (standard)

Free for most users

Available for nonprofits, governments, and humanitarian organisations.

Full dashboard and reporting functionality
ntegrates with Google Workspace tools
Paid version (Looker Studio Pro) available for enterprise use

Best suited for which nonprofits?

Organisations using Google Sheets, Analytics, or BigQuery

Monitoring and evaluation teams needing recurring dashboards

Teams creating regular funder or leadership reports

Similar tools for NGO data analytics

Microsoft Power BI – more advanced data modelling and enterprise reporting capabilities

Tableau – strong visualisation flexibility and advanced analytics features

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does Looker Studio solve for nonprofits?

It helps organisations turn raw data into interactive dashboards for reporting, monitoring, and decision-making.

When should a nonprofit use Looker Studio?

When data is stored in tools such as Google Sheets or Analytics and needs to be visualised in real time.

Does it require technical expertise?

Basic dashboards can be created easily, though more complex data modelling may require some technical knowledge.

How is it different from tools like Power BI?

Looker Studio is simpler and free, while Power BI offers more advanced modelling, automation, and enterprise features.

Can it be used with KoboToolbox data?

Yes. KoboToolbox data can be exported to Google Sheets or accessed via APIs and visualised in Looker Studio.

Want to learn more?

Visit Looker Studio