Building Equitable Programs & Services

Our communities grow increasingly diverse each day. Nonprofits that aim to serve the public good must reflect and provide for this diversity to remain relevant, impactful, and trusted institutions. By promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity in their programs, services, staff, boards, and operations, nonprofits gain multiple benefits and ensure their longevity as key resources for years to come.

There are several reasons why diversity, inclusion, and equity are especially important for nonprofit service providers:

• Meet community needs. A diverse, inclusive, and equitable nonprofit is better equipped to understand and meet the range of needs within its community. By incorporating different perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds, organizations can tailor their programs and services appropriately to provide the most benefit. What works for one segment of the population may not translate to another. Diversity leads to greater relevance and impact.

• Gain trust and credibility. Nonprofits that lack diversity or demonstrate exclusive behaviors may lose trust and credibility, especially with marginalized groups. To serve and partner with all members of their community, organizations must build understanding, trust, and credibility across different populations with unique experiences and needs. Perceptions of bias or unequal treatment undermine an organization's mission and success.

• Foster innovation. Exposure to different ways of thinking, interpreting experiences, and solving problems leads to greater creativity and innovation. Diverse, inclusive teams can develop more comprehensive solutions and initiatives by combining diverse insights and skills. Promoting equity in how people contribute and benefit from these innovations is also key. New ideas and progress result from diversity.

• Adapt to change. Communities are constantly evolving, and nonprofits must evolve with them to stay responsive and effective. Shifts in demographics, politics, the economy, the environment, and other external factors may change the nature of community needs and the best ways to address them. Diverse, inclusive, and equitable organizations have the awareness and adaptability to modify their programs, services, and operations accordingly based on an understanding of the implications of change for different groups. They pivot quickly to remain impactful.

Strategies for building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable nonprofit include:

• Diversify leadership and staff. Aim for diversity at the board, executive, and staff levels so that your organization reflects the community it serves. Provide unconscious bias and inclusiveness training for all levels of leadership and staff.

• Offer culturally responsive programs. Develop programs and services tailored to the unique needs of different populations you serve or partner with. Seek input from diverse community members on how best to serve them and be responsive to feedback.  

• Assess equity and inclusion. Conduct an audit analyzing how inclusive and equitable your nonprofit's practices are, from hiring and promotion to program access and service delivery. Make changes to address any shortcomings and continue assessing on a regular basis.

• Foster an open environment. Promote openness to different perspectives and experiences and a culture where people feel comfortable sharing their diverse insights and identities. Discourage biases and marginalization at every opportunity. Keep the conversation on diversity, inclusion, and equity ongoing.

• Partner with diverse groups. Build partnerships and collaborations with organizations representing different communities to gain their perspectives in addressing shared issues or goals. Work together on education, programming, advocacy, and operational practices that promote mutual understanding and benefit.

Diversity, inclusion, and equity are vital to nonprofit health and success. By reflecting these values in their leadership, operations, programs, and services, organizations gain relevance, trust, innovation, and adaptability. Nonprofits must continually assess, learn, and evolve to meet their communities' diverse range of needs and experiences. An inclusive, equitable approach is key to solving entrenched social problems and serving our communities effectively. Every nonprofit has a role to play in building a fair, just, and thriving society that provides opportunities for all. Equity and inclusion are the path forward.