Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just ideals; they’re the bedrock upon which transformative change is constructed. Often positioned with concepts of justice (JEDI) or belonging (DEIB), DEI is one of the fundamental building blocks of philanthropic engagement. However, to the detriment of the goals that philanthropies seek to achieve, there is often a disparity between aspiration and reality.

Recent data reveals that the leadership of philanthropic organizations falls short of mirroring the diverse tapestry of the communities they aim to uplift. In the United States, for example, leaders of color make up only approximately 14% of foundations, according to the latest report from the Council on Foundations. This is important because these figures shape the allocation of resources, the avenues to opportunity, and the impact donors strive to create.

As an example, service organizations in the U.S. that are led by Black and Brown individuals receive a fraction of the philanthropic funding that majority-led organizations receive. According to research by Echoing Green and The Bridgespan Group, unrestricted assets of Black-led organizations were 76% smaller than those of White-led organizations of similar size and stage. Perhaps even worse is that those organizations are often excluded from longer-term funding, limiting their ability to develop sustainable solutions that stand the test of time. This disparity reverberates beyond the U.S., and while the identities of the marginalized group may be different in different countries, the result is the same.

This means that leaders of color, or those who are part of marginalized groups, are often stifled in their ability to respond to dynamic challenges. Their capacity to innovate and pivot rapidly, vital for addressing urgent concerns, is hindered. The impact of these constraints ripples through communities, shaping the lives of those we aspire to empower.

Why do these disparities endure? How can we foster an environment that truly champions diversity, equity, and inclusion across cultures? This chapter will help philanthropies address these queries and provide guidance for implementing a DEI lens in a way that weaves it into the fabric of your operations.

Calls to Action for Philanthropy

To advance equity within the philanthropic sector, we offer the following calls to action for funders:

  • Commit to diverse representation
  • Address power imbalances
  • Build equity resources
  • Foster trust-based grantmaking
  • Expand beyond traditional monetary support
  • Prioritize new voices and perspectives
  • Encourage collaboration and responsiveness
  • Establish a clear direction for future conversations on equity

Read the full PDF from Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.