Direct services. Advocacy. Training. Technical assistance. For a large organization working in all four areas to improve the lived experiences of a traditionally marginalized population, achieving impact requires the application of evidence-based insights.

SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders) is the only national organization dedicated to addressing issues related to LGBTQ+ people and aging. While serving on the organization’s board for seven years, I saw how the collection and analysis of constituent data helped SAGE identify needs, enhance its programs to meet those needs equitably, and advance its mission. SAGE’s successful efforts might serve as an inspiration and a model for how other nonprofits could leverage data to enhance their work.

SAGE uses this data to answer questions such as:

  • Do our service programs meet the needs of the people they serve? Has engaging in SAGE programs improved the lives of our constituents?
  • Who aren’t we adequately serving? How well are we equitably responding to the needs of the most underserved and marginalized members of the elder LGBTQ+ community?
  • What public policies are needed to address the unmet needs of our constituents? What gaps exist in government data collection on LGBTQ+ aging that is leading to gaps in policy protections and services?
  • Are our training programs for elder services and long-term care providers effective in improving the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ elders they serve?

Read the full article about LGBTQ elders' needs by Cindy Rizzo (she/her) at Candid.