Foundations play a critical role in advancing equity and addressing disparities in our society. One key practice that foundations are increasingly adopting is the collection and use of disaggregated data.

Disaggregated data refers to the separation of compiled information into smaller units based on various characteristics such as age, sex, geographic area, education, ethnicity, or other socioeconomic variables. This practice helps highlight underlying trends and patterns and can provide valuable insights into disparities and inequities that may otherwise go overlooked.

Types of Demographic Data Collected by Foundations

As we reported in the 2023 Foundation Operations and Management Report, 13% of foundation respondents collected demographic data from applicants and/or grantees. Another 7% indicated that this practice is still emerging. The most collected types of disaggregated data were race/ethnicity (90%) and gender (68%). Foundations that viewed racial equity as very relevant to their mission were more likely to collect race/ethnicity data compared to those that viewed racial equity as less relevant.

We asked foundations why they collected disaggregated grantee demographic data. 42% said it was to understand whether the grants reached their intended populations. Collecting demographic data is an important part of assessing the impact and effectiveness of your grantmaking efforts. Additionally, 82% of foundations said that their demographic data collection focused on those served by grantees, and 46% said that it centered on the grantee’s senior leadership.

Not only are foundations using demographic data for accountability and assessment purposes, they’re also using it for strategic decision-making and dialogue on issues of equity and inclusion.

Collecting and using disaggregated demographic data can help foundations better understand the communities they serve, identify disparities and inequities, and make informed decisions about their grantmaking strategies. It promotes transparency and accountability and can foster conversations around diversity and inclusion within foundations and in the broader philanthropic sector.

Read the full article about disaggregated data collection by Brendan McCormick at Exponent Philanthropy.