The Equity Data Collection and Use Toolkit is a practical, values-driven resource designed for staff, leaders, and decision makers across the service delivery sector. It is intended to support organizations at every stage of their data journey—serving as a starting point for teams beginning to think about equity-centered data collection, a companion throughout active data collection processes, and a reference for ethical and responsible use of data gathered through previous efforts.

This toolkit builds a shared foundation by introducing key concepts and terminology needed to navigate both the resource itself and the broader landscape of community data collection. By grounding data practices in equity and clarity, the toolkit supports more consistent, transparent, and community-responsive decision making.

At its core, the toolkit walks users through a continuous service delivery and improvement cycle, emphasizing the role of data at each phase:

• Phase 1: Identify the Problem
• Phase 2: Needs Articulated
• Phase 3: Program, Service, or Offering Developed
• Phase 4: Program, Service, or Offering Made Available
• Phase 5: Feedback Collected and Success Measured
• Phase 6: Iteration and Return to Phase 1

Data collection acts as the bridge between understanding community needs and measuring impact across this cycle. Strong data collection practices enable organizations to assess service user needs, identify gaps in service delivery, and inform the design and implementation of programs and services. These same practices are critical for collecting feedback, evaluating effectiveness, and determining whether interventions, funding decisions, and organizational strategies have meaningfully met community needs.

As organizations analyze findings and apply what they learn, they move into Phase 6—iteration—using data to refine their approach and return to Phase 1 with deeper insight. This toolkit is designed to support that ongoing, cyclical process, helping organizations collect, use, and steward data in ways that are ethical, equitable, and aligned with the communities they serve.