Project News: Briefing #2
Dear Diversity in Philanthropy Stakeholders,
Thank you for your continuing interest in the work of the Diversity in Philanthropy Project (DPP)!
It has been almost exactly one year since the Diversity in Philanthropy Project made its official debut at the Council on Foundations Annual Conference in Seattle. As we prepare for the upcoming Summit, it seems a good time to brief you on our activities of the past year and update you as to our upcoming plans. Please click here to download our briefing: Building on a Year of Success.
We would like, particularly, to call your attention to several recent developments in our work:
- We invite you to review and comment on the draft Common Principles and Promising Practices, contained in our briefing. These principles and practices originated from the philanthropic sector executives, CEOs, and trustees of the Diversity in Philanthropy Project. They express the unity of our intention while respecting that our approaches may vary. The principles and practices outlined here in draft form are not meant to be prescriptive; rather they represent a collective, voluntary effort to lift our field to a higher standard of operating practice. We look forward to discussing these ideas with you over the coming months.
- Council on Foundations Summit The upcoming Council on Foundations Summit will feature numerous diversity and effectiveness sessions, many of which DPP helped to plan. Please join us at these important panel discussions designed to advance field-wide focus and action on the issues.
- The Council of Michigan Foundations (CMF) and the Diversity in Philanthropy Project (DPP) have formed a special partnership to develop new knowledge, tools and support for increasing diversity and inclusive practice among foundations in Michigan and the nation. This partnership is part of a larger five-year initiative CMF has undertaken called Transforming Michigan Through Diversity & Inclusion – funded initially by a $150,000 grant from The Kresge Foundation. Read more
Why is DPP’s Work Important?
As philanthropy faces increasing scrutiny, we must take the lead on initiatives that reflect our core values. American democracy and society have always thrived on our diverse cultures, experiences and points of view. By fully engaging the diverse talents and ideas within our own profession, we have the opportunity to increase our collective effectiveness and impact. By advancing change from the “vanguard of our profession,” we believe that we can drive change – over time – across the field and within the communities we serve.
We believe we are making a difference by:
- Forging partnerships, initiating dialogue, promoting collaboration. DPP has been instrumental in forging partnerships and encouraging learning circles in dialogue with other leading diversity in philanthropy stakeholder groups. Groups participating in this dialogue to date have included: the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, Independent Sector, Change Action Partners, the Race & Equity Funders Group and the National Rural Funders Collaborative.
- Developing a compelling set of shared principles. DPP has crafted a proposed set of voluntary Diversity Principles and Practices in order to encourage field leaders to embrace a concrete set of gains in their inclusive practices, however they may define diversity according to individual mission, interests and organizational culture. These Principles and Practices proposals are debuting at this year’s COF Leadership Summit.
- Demonstrating exemplary leadership. Several DPP leaders have also joined together to form a “Benchmarking Excellence” group that will pursue even more aggressive change efforts within their organizations to advance philanthropic effectiveness through increased diversity. This important, emerging body of work will be shared as well at the COF Summit.
- Serving as a strategic resource for the field. DPP serves a key role in the national field as a knowledge resource to partner organizations and leaders concerned about the issues. The DPP website offers a broad range of diversity-related resources including: case studies of evolving lessons and perspectives on diversity; links to various organizations that address, assess and advance diversity through a variety of strategies; access to recent articles and op-eds; legislative updates; and commentary from leading philanthropy sector executives.
- Planning for the future. DPP is developing consensus on broad-based field supports, including: a long-range diversity in philanthropy research and data enhancement agenda; a multi-pronged partnership initiative involving selected regional associations of grantmakers to advance various leadership and field promotion activities on the issues; and advocacy for core infrastructure support to selected organizations that can continue key aspects of this work beyond the three-year duration of our project.
Read previous DPP Briefings