For decades, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation has explored the importance, and necessity, of weaving the values of racial diversity and inclusion into the fabric of North Carolina’s nonprofit community. The Foundation’s grantmaking reflects the belief that engaging people with different backgrounds and perspectives in activities and decision-making processes greatly enhances organizational performance. Therefore, the Foundation actively seeks to promote access, equity and inclusiveness for all people regardless of race, creed, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
During the summer of 2014, the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation was recognized for its leadership in this field in two national reports:
- The OMG Center for Collaborative Learning’s report, titled Foundations Facilitate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Partnering with Community and Nonprofits, examines how foundations are facilitating diversity, equity, and inclusion through their grantmaking processes and partnerships with nonprofits. OMG profiled nine foundations, including ZSR, which represent a variety of types and sizes. Based on interviews with these nine funders, the report provides information on how foundations can better partner with nonprofits to be more effective in their work. The report also identifies eight specific practices for foundations to emulate. ZSR staff share their thoughts on pp. 21-23 and pp. 33-36.
- The fifth edition of the Philanthropic Initiative for Racial Equity’s Critical Issues Forum focuses on how four philanthropic institutions, including ZSR, have engaged in intentional practices to strengthen racial justice grantmaking. Scroll down to pages 57-62 to view ZSR’s case study written by PRE.
The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation understands that applying a racial equity lens to a funder’s work can be challenging, especially in places where there is a history of racial tension. However, the Foundation also sees great opportunity for funders to incorporate strategies into their work that assist in breaking down structural and cultural barriers that prevent certain groups of people from accessing important aspects of community life. By encouraging frank dialogue and engaging proactively to address ways in which race continues to shape our shared history and contemporary challenges, foundations have the opportunity to create deeper impact for any sector in which their work is focused. The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation welcomes collaboration and further conversation with peers around this topic.