Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

As a member of the Equitable Recovery Collective, Community Foundations of Canada is pleased to share the results of a new study on equity, diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector. This study, led by the Collective, was conducted to better understand the state of nonprofits’ and charities’ equity practices across Canada. Among other findings, the study shows that despite facing greater barriers and funder expectations, Black, Indigenous, racialized-led organizations are leading the advancement of equity, diversity and inclusion in the sector. 

The research report, titled Shifting power dynamics: Equity, diversity and inclusion in the nonprofit sector, provides key insights into specific areas, such as the factors that enable and hinder nonprofit organizations as they seek to apply equity principles, the role of leadership in advancing Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), or the role that funders can play in advancing EDI by supporting Black, Indigenous, racialized, LGTBQIA2S+ nonprofits and other organizations committed to this important work.

Funders, including community foundations, have enormous power and privilege, which they can use to advance EDI in the sector and society. Read the full report and listen to the podcast to learn more.

WHAT THE STUDY TELLS US

• While most nonprofit leaders support equity, diversity and inclusion, far fewer pursue it with deep intentionality.
• Organizations led by Black and Indigenous people and those from other underrepresented groups do more to advance EDI, even though they serve some of the highest-need communities, experience increased expectations, and face greater barriers.
• Leadership and management structures such as equity working groups matter.
• Organizations are taking measures to enhance the equity of their human resources practices, but are less likely to implement measures that have greater impact, particularly if they are white-led.
• Less than half of organizations use equity-related information about the people they serve.
• Funders have a key role to play in advancing EDI by supporting Black, Indigenous, racialized-led organizations and other organizations committed to advancing EDI.