Nonprofit Know-How Event Encourages Equity Conversations

On May 18, the Community Foundation hosted the Nonprofit Know-How: Creating Space for Equity Conversation. This in-person event was a chance for nonprofit leaders and staff to respond to the grantmaking equity statement and discuss how their organizations can advance racial equity.

More than forty people registered for the event, and Community Foundation staff were on hand to hear what nonprofits find most pressing, challenging, and encouraging. We shared examples of centering equity within the local nonprofit community, and the roundtable discussions provided a space for open response and honest dialogue.

“Our nonprofit sector is committed to making our community more equitable,” said Carrie Walker, Nonprofit Network Manager. “This event was an opportunity for them to discuss their goals and challenges with peers, and it was also a learning opportunity for the Community Foundation as we look for ways to support organizations engaging in this work.”

The Community Foundation board of directors approved a new grantmaking equity statement in 2021. Going beyond a nondiscrimination policy, the grantmaking equity statement will help the Community Foundation prioritize grant funding for nonprofit organizations that are deeply engaged in or actively working to improve organizational equity and justice practices.

“We recognize that this is challenging work that will look different for every organization,” Carrie said. “So throughout 2022, the Community Foundation will provide learning opportunities for nonprofit staff to begin thinking about how the new grantmaking equity statement relates to their organization’s work, and how they might begin to answer equity-related questions on grant applications in 2023.”

Planned learning events include an additional Nonprofit Know-How, the Community Learning Series, and a new Leadership Learning Series. Details of the events are still being finalized.

To receive updates about future Community Foundation events, sign up for the Nonprofit Network e-newsletter here.

For more information on the grantmaking equity statement and the Community Foundation’s grant programs, click here.