Minnesota Council on Foundations
Diversity Framework
Roles of Private Grantmaking Organizations
In developing the Diversity Framework, the
Minnesota Council on Foundations found it helpful to frame the discussion around four roles that
private grantmaking organizations play in a civil society as:
Two values guided the development of this work:
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The quality of grantmaking is enhanced
when grantmaking organizations reflect the cultural diversity of the
communities they serve through their grants.
-
Every private grantmaking organization
has the responsibility and the capacity to understand issues of diversity
and inclusiveness and should take action in each role where opportunities
exist.
The four roles and the values that support these roles:
Grantmakers as Funders
Values Statement:
Grantmaking organizations are responsible for the prudent management and
distribution of charitable funds. In this role grantmakers improve the
quality of life of identified groups, respond to community needs and
address the root causes of problems. Funding priorities reflect the
diverse needs and opportunities of communities served through grantmaking.
To better understand and respond to the diverse issues of their
constituents, grantmaking organizations need to mirror the diversity of
the communities they fund.
Grantmakers as Employers
Values Statement:
Increasing staff diversity enriches grantmaking. Without a diverse
workforce, we cannot achieve excellence. Grantmakers, like the
organizations and individuals they support, are operating in an
increasingly diverse society. In order to be accountable to their
constituencies, grantmakers have the responsibility to be exemplary: they
must have a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities they
serve through their grantmaking.
Grantmakers as Economic Entities
Values Statement:
Funders have both an obligation and opportunities to create economic
opportunities for all members of the communities they serve through their
grantmaking. Through investments and purchasing decisions, funders can
support minority-owned businesses and participate in the development of a
healthy economic system employing a diverse workforce.
Grantmakers as Community Citizens
Values Statement:
As an essential community resource, foundations and corporate giving
programs have a responsibility to serve the public good. In their role as
citizens, grantmakers must be engaged in and responsive to the communities
they serve through their grantmaking. Through this involvement,
grantmaking organizations will strengthen their ability to recognize and
support diversity. This is a critical component of serving increasingly
diverse communities and maintaining the highest quality of life.
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