Unlocking sector-wide benefits with Demographics via Candid  

To date, over 75,000 nonprofits have contributed their demographic data to Candid, representing an increase of 50% since 2022. This influx of data is the result of Demographics via Candid, an initiative that empowers nonprofits to share this data one time, on the Candid profile, where it can be easily accessed by funders and other stakeholders across the field. This data also enabled the development of The State of Diversity in the U.S. Nonprofit Sector report, providing comprehensive data to establish a benchmark for equity efforts across the sector.  

We’re proud of the impact Demographics via Candid has made so far, and it could not have been done without the dedicated efforts of nearly 200 partners. Here we share their stories to showcase how this initiative is helping funders align their practices with their values. 

The initiative in action 

For nonprofits seeking to better deliver on their missions and ensure appropriate representation amongst their staff, Demographics via Candid initiates conversations rooted in data. One of Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s grantees shared how much they value this shift towards greater transparency. No more guessing is required—demographic data is publicly accessible on the Candid profile and assists funders to equitably allocate resources to represent the diverse communities they aim to serve.  

The Morgan Family Foundation is leading the way by updating their own Candid profile, providing their demographic data to earn a Gold Seal of Transparency. This reflects their commitment to meeting the same standards they ask of their grantees. As Stephanie Richards of the Morgan Family Foundation shared, “Demographics via Candid allowed the foundation to reflect on its internal processes and identify ways to improve. The foundation had been asking for demographic data from grant applicants but realized the need to lead by example.”   

Demographic data also surfaces funding disparities, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC)-led organizations, helping funders better understand the gaps in their own giving portfolios. For funders like the Surdna Foundation, this data deepens their understanding of their own portfolios and supports the sector’s knowledge about demographics. Jeffrey Jiménez-Kurlander from Surdna notes that collecting this data is essential for monitoring progress and ensuring that funders and nonprofits substantiate their commitments to racial equity. 

Nonprofits are also using data from Demographics via Candid to provide the foundational information needed to change internal operations and address equity across their organizations. One nonprofit executive director is using the data to guide discussions with their board of directors regarding representative leadership and their organization’s diversity goals. In the past, these conversations were sometimes met with reluctance but are now easier to broach when backed by funder requirements and Candid’s data.  

Tracking sector impact 

The goal in launching Demographics via Candid was to reduce nonprofit burden, facilitating a more efficient process that allows nonprofits to more fully focus on their missions.  Our partners are now beginning to quantify the impact of their efforts.  

Since signing onto Demographics via Candid, the Jesse Ball duPont Fund has changed application requirements to accept information directly from Candid nonprofit profiles. The result is a 44% reduction in the time nonprofits spend on completing grant applications. The simplification of demographic data submission is also benefiting funders. They are now using readily available information instead of creating and maintaining bespoke collection processes, significantly reducing staff workloads.  

Ultimately, Demographics via Candid truly fosters a more efficient, equitable, and effective social sector. From funders seeking to ensure their grantmaking aligns with their values to a nonprofit striving to represent the communities it serves, this initiative offers the tools and resources to make meaningful progress.  

Our commitment to shedding light on where the sector stands on equity, reducing burdens on nonprofits, and providing freely accessible, standardized data remains unchanged. Candid collects data to provide the big picture of our sector. We encourage our partners to access this data on our nonprofit profiles as needed to reduce bespoke requests and the resulting burdens on nonprofits. We remain committed to supporting the sector’s ability to achieve greater impact. Candid will continue to closely track developments and anticipate where the sector is headed.