Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
Application Process and Eligibility

The Diversity & Inclusion Initiative awards grants every other year to non-profit organizations in Greater Boston. All local non-profit organizations are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be seeking to build capacity and effectiveness in fulfilling the organization’s mission through organizational diversity and inclusive policies and practices.

The application process follows. Please read it completely.

The application process has closed. New grants will be awarded in February 2010.

Eligible Activities

The overall goal of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative is to help nonprofits achieve internal change, especially as it relates to the diversity of staff and board members and the implementation of inclusive practices that result from valuing difference and sustaining diversity. Based on experiences of previous DII grantees, we require organizations to undertake a comprehensive organizational diversity assessment or audit to test assumptions, clarify challenges and prioritize needs. Examples of other activities eligible for DII funding include but are not limited to:

• Development of organizational diversity and inclusion plans 
• Redrafting of mission statements, bylaws or strategic plans to reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusion
• Multicultural training for staff and boards to teach strategies for implementing and sustaining diversity and inclusive practices
• Creation of recruitment and retention strategies to increase constituent and people of color representation on staff and boards
• Review and revision of personnel policies and benefits in order to better support a diverse workforce 
• Creation of staff affinity groups or mentoring programs 
• Changes in office environment that promote diversity such as special events or activities to acknowledge staff contributions
• Salary support for an individual(s) responsible for the implementation of the diversity grant.

Evidence of Demonstrated Commitment to Diversity

To receive funding, a nonprofit must demonstrate that it has involved staff and board members in identifying needs and developing the proposed initiative. This involvement is designed to foster collaboration among staff and board and to strengthen the effectiveness of the initiative throughout the organization. Applicants must demonstrate also how they will sustain a commitment to organizational diversity and inclusion following the grant period.

The executive directors of successful proposals may be asked to meet at least once with other executive directors from grantee organizations. There are quarterly “learning community” meetings with all DII grantees. All grantees are required to participate and to send a consistent representative(s). Participatory evaluation will be incorporated into these meetings. During quarterly meetings, organizations share internal experiences, as a part of ongoing efforts, to support a learning community that identifies lessons learned and best practices. All grantee organizations are required to participate in evaluations of the Diversity & Inclusion Initiative. All grantee organizations must submit 6-month progress reports.