Philanthropy and Racial Equity: Achieving Equity…How Exactly?

The idea of incorporating equity in philanthropy is gaining traction in the field, but the “how” of embracing equity can prove elusive – especially when foundations turn that equity lens inward. What does equity “look like” inside a foundation? Where is the best place to start? How do foundations bring all of their staff on board with an equity agenda – especially if an explicit focus on equity is something new and different? What are the biggest challenges in incorporating equity? What are examples of equitable practices that have been successfully implemented? 

In this session, you’ll hear what foundations are doing broadly to incorporate equity internally, as well as ways Maryland Philanthropy Network funders are making equity a part of their day-to-day operations. Then, you’ll have the opportunity for small group discussions and a chance to ask deeper questions of each panelist, as you create your own plan for next steps to address equity within your own foundation. 

Kris Putnam-Walkerly, global philanthropy advisor, will present findings from her recent field scan, “The Road to Achieving Equity,” conducted on behalf of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She will be joined by representatives from three very different foundations who will share how their institutions are making operational changes in order to incorporate equity in ways that encourage staff, better support grantees and partners, and achieve their missions.

Our speakers will be:

• Kris Putnam-Walkerly (Speaker & Moderator), MSW, President, Putnam Consulting Group;
• Nonet T. Sykes, Director, Race Equity and Inclusion, the Annie E. Casey Foundation; 
• Kevin Griffin Moreno, Interim Director of Community Investment, Baltimore Community Foundation; and
• Tina Hike-Hubbard, Senior Director of the Mid-Atlantic, Enterprise Community Partners.

We will explore:

• The importance of developing a common language for equity
• Options for introducing equity conversations internally and training staff
• Specific changes in human resources, investment, governance and other functions that move a foundation toward a more equitable future

This program is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members only. Remote participation is not available.

This program was originally schedule for March 15, 2017.