New Report Asks How Foundations Can Help End Racial Inequity

An article from Foundation Review — authored by Gary L. Cunningham, Northwest Area Foundation; Marcia L. Avner, University of Minnesota-Duluth and Romilda Justilien, BCT Partners — explores the multiple approaches that foundations can use to advance racial equity and prosperity. “The Urgency of Now: Foundations’ Role in Ending Racial Inequity” is built on the premise that if we remain on the current trajectory with no significant change in the socioeconomic position of low income people of color, everyone will pay a price.

We recognize that national, regional, and local philanthropic institutions have been taking up the call to address issues of racial inequity. However, we also note that the philanthropic investment in communities of color continues to shrink when it is needed most. The histories, theories, and tools provided in this article are an effort to begin a fresh dialogue on equity, one that includes everyone in the circle of human concern. Our future depends on it.

Read the full report.