On Monday, June 6^th, BBB Wise Giving Alliance released the Give.org Special Donor Trust Report: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). This report provides the results of a survey of 2,100 adults in the U.S. and more than 1,000 in Canada that explores whether the donating public values DEI in charities, whether DEI is a meaningful consideration in their giving process and identifies how demographic groups differ in their responses to DEI issues.

As we start to hear reactions to the report, some express optimism in learning that most participants (54%) assume that having a diverse, equitable, and inclusive board and staff has a positive effect on how trustworthy the charity is. Others react to the findings with concern for the limited consideration given to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the donating process. Those interested in a quick read, might appreciate the coverage by The Chronicle of Philanthropy or The NonProfit Times.

For those interested in insights by sector leaders, we invite you to read the contributed responses submitted by Franklin Guerrero (Vice President of Philanthropy , Major Gifts and Gift Planning at AARP Foundation), Jon Bergdoll (Associate Director of Data Partnerships and Lead Statistician for Giving USA), Afshan Paarlberg (Visiting Assistant Professor, Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy), Michael Martin (President and CEO, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability) and Erwin de Leon (Chief Diversity Officer, School of Professional Studies and Lecturer in Discipline, Nonprofit Management Program at Columbia University in the City of New York).

For example, Franklin Guerrero brings forth that philanthropy “should be that fiercely independent, innovative, and equalizing force that the government and private sector can’t forge in response to the constraints of democracy, taxation, or profits.” In turn, Jon Bergdoll reminds us that different demographic groups are likely to have different definitions for terms like “discrimination” or “lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion.” In his previous work, Jon found that “younger people and African Americans (along with single women) typically had more expansive definitions of racial justice causes.”

We are impressed by the diversity and depth of these reactions and hope you are too.

Video of the Week

Heart of Giving Podcast

In this week’s Heart of Giving Podcast, BBB Wise Giving Alliance interviews Elvia Castro, BBB WGA’s Associate Director, Charity Evaluation. She discusses the Give.org Special Donor Trust Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which is described above.

Recent Reports

We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:

• American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy
• Ronald McDonald House Charities

Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.