The Journey
The Data for Change sector-wide capacity building initiative is grounded in insights and learnings gained during earlier stages of the project, which helped shape and refine its current approach.
Building Capacity for Inclusive Data Practices
Over the past few years, the community sector has been on a collective journey to build capacity around social identity data collection. Through pilot projects, collaborative learning, and sector-wide dialogue, organizations have explored how to gather and apply identity-based data in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and community-informed. These early efforts have laid the foundation for more coordinated and equity-driven data practices across the sector.
Our journey
Project Journey
The Beginning
To assess the impact of programs and services, Toronto funders and community agencies identified the need for disaggregated social identity data. In response, the City of Toronto, United Way Greater Toronto, and the Toronto Central LHIN formed a funders’ collaborative to launch Data for Equity 1.0. Turner Consulting Group, alongside funders and community groups, carried out the first phase of the project by testing socio demographic questions and exploring tools and support for agency use while gathering key insights to guide future efforts.
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2020
Data for Equity 1.0 Pilot
Be Yourself, See Yourself
In the second phase, 53 community agencies across Toronto participated in an expanded project led by agencies and supported by a cross-funder collaborative. Hosted by Findhelp | 211, this phase included capacity building by We All Count and analysis by D&D Inclusion Consulting. It revealed varying levels of data readiness, staffing needs, and infrastructure gaps. Tools were refined, and knowledge transfer emerged as essential. Continued sector learning was further strengthened, along with a clear desire to scale efforts beyond Toronto, as capacity building skills are needed by many non-profits across the GTA.
Project Report
Evaluation Report
2022
Data for Equity 2.0
Community Consultation
During this phase, a strategic pause was taken on social identity data collection to reflect and engage with monitoring and evaluation practitioners, community leaders, and partners. This pause allowed for reimagining how to scale and deepen the work, especially in response to pandemic challenges. Guided by evolving community needs and sector insights, the project aligned goals with a renewed strategy focused on equity, impact, and sustainability. Harbingers Co-Creative led this phase and produced a comprehensive report.
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2023
Reflection & Learning
Redevelopment
This year marked a pivotal phase as we redeveloped and strengthened our partnership table, fostering intentional spaces for collaboration and leadership. Deepened engagement with sector leaders positioned them to shape the process actively, providing essential advice and consultation. Together, we introduced new project elements, including a growing community of practice and emerging knowledge hub concepts. This phase also reignited sector-wide awareness and momentum, reinforcing commitment to advancing the initiative’s goals and supporting ongoing innovation within the community.
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2024
Redesign & Rebuild
Relaunch “Data for Change”
This phase expands knowledge-sharing and capacity-building across community agencies in Durham, Toronto, York, and Peel Regions. It introduces a new learning model focused on scaling through a virtual space, featuring a peer-to-peer sector learning series hosted by SHIP and Logical Outcomes. New elements include the Community of Practice hosted by CASSA and the Data for Change Knowledge Learning Virtual Hub, both designed to foster collaboration, ongoing learning, and strengthen collective impact across the sector.
2025
Relaunch “Data for Change”