Advancing racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in philanthropy is a key pillar of work and core strategic priority at the United Philanthropy Forum. The Forum envisions a courageous philanthropic sector that catalyzes a just and equitable society where all can participate and prosper. It is not possible for us to achieve this vision without addressing racial equity. Therefore, we fundamentally reject any attempt to distort, deliberately mischaracterize, or diminish the vital work underway in philanthropy to advance racial equity and racial justice.
Racial equity is not a political ideology nor a talking point, but a fundamental human right and cornerstone of democracy. Those who attempt to frame racial equity as a partisan issue, while engaging in wholesale intellectual dishonesty by seeking to redefine diversity and perpetuate false narratives, give cover to individuals and organizations that have benefitted directly from systems of inequity and seek to maintain the status quo.
As a network of organizations with varying degrees of understanding of racism and racial equity, we remain committed to helping the field prioritize and embed racial equity in every facet of philanthropic work, practices, and culture. Additionally, we seek to align with, reflect, and amplify the knowledge and expertise of Forum members, especially those PSOs that have provided long-standing leadership in advancing racial equity within the sector and beyond. This alignment includes collaborating with members to advocate for equitable policy solutions as well as other efforts to leverage the power of the Forum network to impact systemic change.
As such, the Forum and the undersigned organizations are fully committed to this endeavor and hold ourselves - and each other - accountable for uplifting and fulfilling our collective vision for the common good.
David
Biemesderfer
United Philanthropy Forum
Amanda
Andere
Funders Together to End Homelessness
Ana Marie
Argilagos
Hispanics in Philanthropy
Susie
Brown
Minnesota Council on Foundations
Virginia
Clarke
Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders
Aaron
Dorfman
National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Christine
Essel
Southern California Grantmakers
Sean
Gibbons
The Communications Network
Judy
Hatcher
Biodiversity Funders Group
LaShanda
Jackson
Funders' Committee for Civic Participation
Laurie
Liles
Arizona Grantmakers Forum
Niamani
Mutima
Africa Grantmakers' Affinity Group
Cema
Siegel
Economic Opportunity Funders
Nicholas
Tedesco
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Megan
Thomas
Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties
Marissa
Tirona
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
Kathleen
Traphagen
Grantmakers for Thriving Youth
Maria
Vizcarrondo
Council of New Jersey Grantmakers