Equity in the grant space….

Many funders have made a real effort to prioritize diversity, equity (DEI), and inclusion in their grantmaking practices, but how translates can vary widely.

Grantmakers are looking to one another to share effective practices and case studies. This kind of sharing offers up valuable insights into their successes and failures to incorporate DEI values more fully into their organizational practices. These insights are something we can all learn from. While there are many considerations for beginning (or expanding on) a grantmaker’s DEI journey, all organizations must prioritize the commitment from their leadership, their internal processes, and their grantmaking practices.

Not only is diversity essential to ensure equity for grant recipients, but it is also crucial in order to create an equitable peer review process. Without diversity and inclusion in grant making, talented researchers may be overlooked, or the grant selection process may not be as fair and objective as it should be