New Report Provides Data on Foundation Diversity
* Diversity within foundations varies greatly by staff title, with program staff representing the greatest diversity and more senior or executive roles less so — a situation similar to other sectors.
* Diversity across foundation types also varies: independent foundations are most diverse among all staff, public foundations have the most diverse boards, and corporate grantmakers the most diverse pool of CEOs.
* While number of grants and grant dollars targeting minority populations did not increase in direct proportion to increases in staff and board diversity, they did seem to increase and stabilize during similar periods.
* Diversity programs evolved as the field became more aware of “inclusiveness” as the ultimate goal, i.e. ensuring the participation of diverse voices, rather than just on diversity head count.
* Generally, programs had positive impact on individual participants and foundations, but limited resources, scale and duration, lack of coordination across foundations, isolated operations, and lack of outcome-oriented evaluations hampered replication or field-wide advocacy.
* Affinity groups that began as informal support networks among staff of color have been the most consistent advocate for increasing diversity and inclusiveness.
“World events have made us increasingly aware of our global interdependence, and the case for diversity has evolved as we gain a better understanding of what it takes to be a truly inclusive society,” saids Melissa Berman, president and CEO of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. “We are especially proud to be providing our colleagues with objective information to help them further their institutional missions while reflecting and adapting to a changing society.”
“Philanthropy in a Changing Society” is the result of a grant from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
“Upholding human and individual rights has always been one of our guiding principles,” said Maureen Smyth, senior vice president of programs for the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. “We hope our colleagues will join us in exploring and implementing models that will promote greater inclusiveness within the field and, in turn, better help society’s underserved communities.”
