February is Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions of Black Americans to U.S. history. As a philanthropist, you are in a unique position to combat complex, systemic issues like racial inequality. This month, we’re encouraging philanthropists to look at their giving strategy through the lens of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
As a company that is invested in DEI, we have our own active Task Force which enriches engagement through diversity salons, quarterly newsletters and diverse employee participation. In honor of Black History month, and to continue our commitment to DEI, we’ve rounded up a variety of resources that you can listen to, read or watch to help support your efforts.
Read: Foundation Best Practices: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
No matter your foundation’s mission or the causes you care about, having a unique cross-section of opinions, perspectives and experiences will enrich your work. While the benefits are numerous, looking through the lens of DEI can ultimately enhance your foundation’s ability to contribute most effectively to a changing society.
Our Philanthropic Advisory Services subject matter experts shared some of the strategic considerations and best practices private foundations can use to successfully incorporate DEI approaches into day-to-day processes, communications and actions.
READ HEREWatch: Moving the Needle on Democracy and Equity Webinar Replay
Merle McGee, President, and CEO of Everyday Democracy, joins Foundation Source for an inspiring discussion on innovative approaches to building strong and healthy local democracies through dialogue and community engagement.
Key points of discussion:
- The important role philanthropists and foundations can play in driving specific outcomes.
- Challenges to building multiracial democracies including race, class and gender disparities and different approaches on the pathway forward.
- Achieving transformational change through dialogue and authentic community engagement.
- Connecting the dots between democracy, social justice, civic engagement, and the lives of everyday people.
Listen: The White House on Racial Equality & Philanthropy
Former President Barack Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color. In this podcast, Michael Smith, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of Cabinet Affairs for My Brother’s Keeper, discusses the initiative’s progress. Our conversation reveals Michael’s deeply personal connection to this work and his suggestions to funders for more effective philanthropy.
LISTEN HERESupport: Black-Founded Charities
Charity Navigator partnered with Giving Gap to amplify a crowd-sourced list of highly rated, Black-founded charities. By choosing to support Black-founded charities, you can raise awareness and help to decrease the racial disparities that exist in philanthropic funding.
SEE LISTLearn more about Black History Month and events happening throughout February here.
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Schedule a call with us here or reach us at 800-839-0054. Together let’s #begiving.
