Making Demographic Reporting Easier for Nonprofits

We’re excited to announce that Headwaters Foundation is joining Demographics via Candid, an initiative to promote greater transparency in the philanthropic sector while making it easier for nonprofits to share demographic information about their leadership, staff and the communities they serve. 

At Headwaters, we believe in making things simpler for nonprofits. We know that nonprofits are asked for this information all the time, often in different formats, and we want to do our part to reduce that burden and help nonprofits spend less time on paperwork and more time serving their communities. With Candid, nonprofits only need to enter their demographic information once, and multiple funders can access it. 

Why does this matter?  

Collecting and sharing demographic data helps build a more transparent and equitable nonprofit sector. It also highlights the work of BIPOC-led organizations and strengthens investment in groups that reflect the communities they serve. Our team will use this data not to make decisions, but to learn about representation within our partner organizations. 

What This Means for Headwaters Grantees 

The following information applies only if your organization is a 501c3 or fiscally sponsored by one. If your organization is a tribal entity, government agency, or school, this does not apply. 

• GO! Grantees: Participation is optional but encouraged! 

• Family Power Fund applicants: Before applying, we will require your Candid profile to be updated annually with demographic data. 

What information are we asking for?  

At a minimum, we ask that you update the race/ethnicity, gender and transgender identity, sexual orientation, and disability status of your leadership, staff, and board. In all instances, your team may choose ‘decline to state’ if they prefer not to disclose any demographic information.  

Because we believe in leading by example – Headwaters’ board and staff have shared their demographic data, which you can view here. 

How to Submit Your Data 

Nonprofits – sharing your demographic information via Candid is quick and easy! Learn how to do it here.  

Bonus Perk: Organizations that earn a Gold Seal of Transparency qualify for a free year of Foundation Directory Essential – a funder database that helps you find grant opportunities for your organization – through Candid’s Go for the Gold promotion. 

A Call to Other Funders 

If you’re a funder and not using Candid yet, we encourage you to consider it. The more foundations that adopt this approach, the less administrative burden we place on nonprofits. Let’s work together to make philanthropy more efficient, transparent, and nonprofit-friendly.  

For more information on how to participate in Demographics via Candid, visit candid.org/dvc. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Knowledge Manager, Steph Schilling at [email protected].