We are at a historic moment in efforts to improve how data on race and ethnicity, and sexual orientation and gender identity are gathered through the American Community Survey (ACS) and the decennial Census. These data are essential for building an inclusive, multiracial democracy, are used to allocate government funds to states, and help assess, guide, and refine philanthropic missions and agendas. This panel will emphasize the importance of collecting accurate race and ethnicity data at the state and national level to help address historical inequities in health, education, and access to voting by highlighting areas in which census and ACS data has a direct impact – such as access to critical infrastructure like broadband connectivity. Panelists will discuss the importance of collecting accurate race and ethnicity data, data disaggregation, and the implications on democracy and resources in their communities. Panelists will also highlight the type of power-building and policy efforts that philanthropy can support in this work, with an emphasis on intersectional racial justice and equity.