The purpose of the database according to Global Nonviolent Action Database:

"1. To provide free access to information about hundreds of cases of nonviolent action for learning and for citizen action. We research campaigns that have reached a point of completion. The cases are drawn from all continents and most countries. People are shown struggling for human rights, economic justice, democracy, national and ethnic identity, environmental sustainability, and peace. To learn more about searching by the issues people are struggling about, go to Issue Clusters.

2. To make available comparative information that will support researchers and writers to develop strategic knowledge and theory."