As corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have come under attack, some nonprofits have retreated, leaving new employees and executives unsupported and in need. Now is the time to train, equip, and empower people of color to become better fundraisers and nonprofit leaders.
The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, unleashed a tidal wave of pledges for greater DEI across corporate America and, more specifically, within nonprofit communities serving the unhoused and underserved.
Presently, there are more than two million nonprofit organizations and ministries in the United States. Over the last four years, most have significantly expanded their boards and leadership teams with people of color as part of DEI efforts. Sources like The New York Times and Forbes confirm that today thousands of companies are abandoning DEI, even dismissing staff and board members who were involved in these efforts.
Abandoning DEI is not the solution. We need to invest significantly in it. Sadly, we have not allocated the proper resources to train this new group of professionals to be effective fundraisers and nonprofit leaders.
In short, we have left people of color alone without training and support. Our movement of nonprofit leaders must rally organizations and associations nationwide to dedicate more resources to training and empowering this vital group of individuals.
I compare the current state of the DEI movement to where the Women’s Rights movement was in the 1970s. At that time, nonprofit managers and top fundraising professionals were predominantly white males. Then, we recognized the tremendous potential of women in nonprofit management and fundraising roles. By design, our industry created thousands of training programs specifically to equip women to become top nonprofit fundraisers and executives. Today, our industry has been transformed by women, who are top earners and serve in every role in nonprofit leadership. This transformation did not happen by accident; it happened by design.
We must not give up on DEI and the thousands of Black Americans, Asian Americans, Indigenous Americans, and people of every other ethnicity. The sacrifices they have made over the last four years have been significant. The number of companies that initially supported DEI but are now retracting their support because they did not realize the work and financial commitment required is alarming.
Now is the time to invest, train, and grow. Together, we will raise more funds, lead stronger organizations, and help more people climb out of homelessness, enter recovery, and transition to vibrant, successful lives exuding the love of God. Let’s do it.
Fit Fundraising works with nonprofits, large and small, in human services, international relief, advocacy and education. Founder Roy Jones has helped raise more than half a billion dollars over the last decade alone. Ready to elevate your fundraising efforts to new heights? Discover how Fit Fundraising can transform your results. You can reach Roy at rjones@fitfundraising.com.
