Diversity in Philanthropy

Grantmaking is most effective when grantmakers reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

Addressing diversity in staffing, funding, purchasing, and community activities enriches grantmaking. However, many organizations struggle with overcoming barriers to becomning more inclusive grantmakers.

MCF offers resources here, some created by MCF and others from trusted sources, to help bridge this gap in leadership and knowledge.

Diversity News

ABFE Connecting Leaders Fellowship

The online application is available now through May 20 for this fellowship. ABFE seeks those who:

• Have 2+ years of demonstrated experience as a grantmaker, trustee, or donor in organized philanthropy
• Have a deep-rooted commitment to assisting Black communities through philanthropy
• Are able to attend the ABFE Leadership Summit that will be held October 14-18, 2013 in Flint, MI.

Learn more and apply through ABFE's website

Education-reform Debate Puts Spotlight on Institutional Racism

Reflections from Nekima Levy-Pounds on a recent Reset Education forum that was sponsored by The Minneapolis Foundation.

MCF Resources

• Diversity & Inclusion Action Kit
  The 2011 Action Kit is intended to help you identify what steps you and your organization can take to advance diversity and inclusion.
• Diversity Framework
  Written in 1994, MCF's groundbreaking guidelines frame the discussion of grantmakers' diversity practices around the four roles they play in a civil society.
• Diversity Practices in Philanthropic Organizations
  This special chapter of MCF's Principles for Grantmakers & Practice Options for Philanthropic Organizations offers foundations and corporate giving programs some fresh ideas, good practices and current examples of diversity work in the field.
• Building on a Better Foundation: A Toolkit for Creating an Inclusive Grantmaking Organization
  The toolkit offers straightforward guidance to help funders practice diversity within their organizations and in their grantmaking.

MCF Research

• Working Towards Diversity IV
  Released in April 2011, this report includes survey results and analysis, focus group summaries and highlights from leadership profile interviews.

Diversity and Inclusivity Links

Blogs

• MCF's Philanthropy Potluck Blog: Diversity Category

More Websites and Resources

Joint Affinity Groups

Staff Contact
Lissa Jones, director of diversity, equity and inclusion

Is your foundation interested in further pursuing strategies around diversity, equity and inclusion to deepen the impact of its work? Lissa can answer questions and connect you with other grantmakers doing similar work. Contact Lissa.