On February 27, The Race and Equity in Philanthropy Group (REPG) and the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation (WRF), represented by Cory Anderson, WRF’s Chief Innovation Officer, convened a group of foundation executives and representatives of philanthropy serving organizations from the South in Atlanta at the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The purpose of the convening, entitled Advancing Equity through Philanthropic Strategy in Polarized Times was to discuss the current social and political context and how these institutions have been experiencing increased social and political opposition to racial equity, racial justice, and DEI.  

The conversation employed REPG’s learning exchange format to enable participants to learn from and support each other regarding philanthropic policies and practices.  The discussion was also strategic and forward-looking on how to re-accelerate and re-invigorate expanded commitments to racial equity, racial justice, and DEI within foundations in the philanthropic field, at community and statewide levels, and nationally.

Based on this discussion, several approaches were identified and REPG created a statement that outlines strategies for maintaining commitments to racial equity and justice despite rising opposition. REPG intends to launch a series of regional discussions on advancing equity through philanthropic strategy amidst polarization and hostility to DEI.

To learn more about REPG, the Advancing Equity Series, or to discuss hosting a meeting in your community, please contact David Maurrasse: dmaurrasse@margainc.com.