The Digital Governance Council (DGC) introduces the launch of ImpactReady, a new validation and verification program designed to help organizations strengthen trust, demonstrate transparency, and uphold ethical data governance practices in the delivery of community and human services.
This program was developed in direct response to expressed stakeholder needs in combination with the newly published national standard, CAN/DGSI 100-11:2025 Data Governance – Part 11: Community and Human Services. This Standard was created specifically to address the complex data needs of nonprofits, service providers, and public institutions working in human-centered care.
A Needed Response to a Sector-Wide Challenge
Nonprofits and public service organizations are increasingly reliant on data to deliver, fund, and evaluate services, yet many operate without clear guidance, under immense resource constraints. This lack of structure can lead to unintentional risks, misalignment with community values, and diminished public confidence.
As highlighted in CharityVillage’s coverage, sector leaders have long called for consistent, community-informed frameworks that support both innovation and accountability. The CAN/DGSI 100-11:2025 standard and ImpactReady program together answer that call.
What Is ImpactReady?
ImpactReady is a validation and verification program that helps organizations:
- Assess and improve their data practices
- Align with best practices and community expectations
- Demonstrate responsible, transparent, and people-first data governance practices
- Earn distinction as ethical, trustworthy service providers
The program is anchored in the foundational principles and requirements of the CAN/DGSI 100-11:2025 standard, and is implemented through the Standard Practice for Digital Trust Claims and Supporting Information. Organizations that meet these criteria will earn formal recognition, signaling to funders, communities, and partners their commitment to ethical digital practices. These practices are grounded in respect for dignity, agency, and cultural context; purpose-driven data use that delivers measurable outcomes; inclusive community participation in data governance; and a focus on transparency, accountability, and minimizing harm.
Who Is It For?
ImpactReady is tailored for:
- Nonprofit and charitable organizations
- Community service agencies and public-sector institutions
- Technology vendors and partners supporting service delivery
Whether you’re leading a frontline agency, a municipal service network, or a tech platform supporting the sector, ImpactReady offers a clear, actionable pathway to ethical data use.
Learn More
To explore the program or begin your assessment, visit: ImpactReady Program Overview
To read more about the standard and its checklist, visit:
CAN/DGSI 100-11:2025 Data Governance – Part 11: Community and Human Services
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org