Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives often stall when leadership fails to fully understand why this work matters or lacks a mechanism to ensure accountability. As fundraisers, we must educate our leadership and put accountability measures in place to advance this critical work.
Recent research shows 63% of nonprofits have completed DEI training, yet only 42% saw workplace culture improve.
This gap highlights the need to move from learning to action. We must explain to leadership that diversity directly impacts an organization’s ability to raise money and achieve its mission. Diverse, equitable and inclusive cultures drive innovation, help reach new donors, and improve staff satisfaction and retention.
With leadership buy-in, accountability is key.
Set clear, measurable DEI goals and evaluate leadership based on progress. Board diversity and staff retention of underrepresented groups are two key metrics. Holding leadership accountable for outcomes, not just efforts or intentions, is the only way to drive real change.
To set effective goals, analyze your data to understand where you are today so you can determine where you want to be in the coming years.
Set incremental, realistic targets, but aim high.
For example, commit to adding two board members from underrepresented groups each year and maintaining or exceeding staff diversity goals annually.
Educating leadership and building accountability will not be easy, but it is necessary to make DEI a sustainable priority. Have courageous conversations explaining why this work matters and how it will strengthen your organization and community impact. Put accountability measures in place so your good intentions turn into real outcomes. Diversity, equity and inclusion deserve more than lip service – they must be backed by understanding, action and results at every level of your organization. Our fundraising success and mission impact depend on it.
In summary, lasting change requires leadership and accountability. Equip your leadership with the knowledge and motivation to make DEI a priority, then put accountability measures in place to drive outcomes. This combination of education and responsibility will turn good intentions into impact. Our organizations and communities deserve nothing less.
View the full recording of this session in our Resource Library.