INITIATIVE
The Community Data Trust
[needs editing: overview paragraph] The Community Data Trust is a collaborative initiative that supports data sharing in collective impact networks by using collective impact methods. Trust members convene to seek opportunities to learn together and seek to align efforts.
Greater capacity.
Lower costs.
Big words.
[needs editing: what’s the need for the cdt] Community data sharing is often complex work aimed at supporting efforts to solve complex social problems. These efforts benefit from deep institutional and communal memory. To fill this need,
1.
2.
3.
develop a common agenda to grow technical capacity and deepen the relevant talent pool in West Michigan
reduce data sharing transaction costs and liability risks
increase adoption of best practices, adaptability, shared value, and economies of scale, allowing member organizations to shift focus toward higher-value activities
Mutual support.
Collective impact.
OUR EFFORTS
As a collaborative initiative, the
Community Data Trust recruits and
aligns the talent of our community
in key areas.
Leadership
Legal
Technical
creating data sharing agreements and a shared archive of model documents and templates
Support
Something
Else
governance advising for major data sharing initiatives
setting standards for interoperable data systems
software selection support for members and initiatives
providing friendly audits of compliance with legal and technical standards
general technical support for problem-solving and aligned learning
May 18, 2017: KConnect Accountability Partners Council (APC) meeting, at which the Community Data Trust concept was first presented. Photo credit: KConnect staff.
HISTORY
Neil Carlson, founding board president of the DataWise Foundation, had the privilege of serving from 2014 to 2021 as a co-chair of the Data & Capacity Workgroup of KConnect, Kent County's backbone organization for collective impact in the prenatal to career continuum. Through many conversations, workgroup members and community partners began to develop a vision for a new standard-setting entity.
With support from KConnect and broad collaboration and input, Dr. Carlson prepared a white paper titled "Envisioning a Culture of Community Data Sharing" that laid out the vision for the initiative.
2017
“Envisioning a Culture of Community Data Sharing” white paper
ENTF creates Data Analyst position
Johnson Center begins Community Insights Overhaul
KCHD begins convening informal monthly meetings
Formal organization efforts begin
2020
2021
2023
2024
DataWise Foundation 501(c)(3) fiduciary established
Invitation to link to Kent SDOH Hub initiative
Drafting bylaws and building legal workgroup
2025
CHARTER MEMBERS
