Ask April: Racial Equity

Dear April:

Our family foundation awards roughly $2 million in general operating support and program grants every year. Though we have limited staff, our grantmaking includes local and national nonprofits and we occasionally provide multi-year pledges to organizations with whom we have a long history of support. 

Our leadership team is predominately white but we celebrate our age and gender diversity. Last year, our family made a commitment to help fight institutional racism and advance social justice. We felt compelled to get involved in following the racial unrest that occurred nationwide. 

However, to be completely honest, we do not know where to get started. Where do we go from here?

-- Looking for Guidance in Illinois

Dear Funder:

This is a pivotal moment for your family’s foundation. I imagine it seems both daunting and a bit unnerving to chart your path forward. I commend you for choosing to take action instead of staying silent. 

There is a significant difference in speaking the language of allyship and taking action to dismantle injustice, bias, and inequity.  

You might start with a grantseeker survey, preferably conducted by an independent consultant to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of responses. This will help you understand any current grantmaking limitations from those you are already partnered with. Armed with this information, you can develop a grantmaking strategy that thoughtfully engages nonprofits in racial equity and social justice. 

What does that look like? It can include allocating a specific portion of your annual distribution to minority-led and minority-serving nonprofits. Lastly, in pursuit of sustainable change, board education specific to diversity, equity, and inclusion should remain a priority; add these topics to every meeting agenda. 

The journey requires radical honesty and discomfort so I encourage you to embrace curiosity and courage as you learn.