What steps can you take to build a diverse and inclusive philanthropic and innovation ecosystem?

1 Assess your current state

The first step is to assess your current state of diversity and inclusion in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can use tools and frameworks such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Toolkit by Grantmakers for Effective Organizations or the Inclusive Innovation Toolkit by MIT to help you identify your strengths and gaps. You can also collect data and feedback from your staff, partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to understand their experiences and needs. By assessing your current state, you can establish a baseline and set realistic goals for improvement.

2 Engage diverse and inclusive partners

The second step is to engage diverse and inclusive partners in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can seek out and collaborate with organizations and individuals that represent different sectors, geographies, cultures, genders, races, abilities, and backgrounds. You can also create opportunities for dialogue, co-creation, and feedback with your partners to ensure that they have a meaningful role and voice in your philanthropic and innovation processes. By engaging diverse and inclusive partners, you can leverage their insights, expertise, and networks to enhance your impact and reach.

3 Support diverse and inclusive innovation

The third step is to support diverse and inclusive innovation in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can design and implement programs and policies that encourage and enable innovation from diverse and underrepresented groups. You can also provide resources and mentorship to help them develop and scale their solutions. You can also recognize and celebrate their achievements and contributions to your philanthropic and innovation goals. By supporting diverse and inclusive innovation, you can foster a culture of creativity and experimentation that generates more effective and sustainable solutions.

4 Learn and adapt continuously

The fourth step is to learn and adapt continuously in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can monitor and evaluate your progress and impact on diversity and inclusion using indicators and metrics that reflect your goals and values. You can also solicit and act on feedback from your staff, partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to identify what works and what doesn't. You can also share your learnings and best practices with your peers and the wider philanthropic and innovation community. By learning and adapting continuously, you can improve your performance and accountability on diversity and inclusion.

5 Advocate for systemic change

The fifth step is to advocate for systemic change in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can use your influence and resources to raise awareness and challenge the barriers and biases that hinder diversity and inclusion. You can also collaborate with other actors and coalitions to amplify your voice and impact. You can also support policy and institutional reforms that promote diversity and inclusion in the philanthropic and innovation sector. By advocating for systemic change, you can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive society.

6 Lead by example

The sixth step is to lead by example in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem. You can model the values and behaviors that you expect from others in your philanthropic and innovation practices. You can also demonstrate your commitment and actions on diversity and inclusion to your staff, partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. You can also inspire and empower others to follow your example and join your efforts. By leading by example, you can build trust and credibility in your philanthropic and innovation ecosystem.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?