History of OGF Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
· OGF held a special event at the 2007 annual conference in Cincinnati. We hosted a dinner at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, with Julian Bond as speaker and a panel of OGF members as respondents, tobegin OGF's consideration of diversity and inclusion issues in OH.
· That was followed by a survey of members andthe formation of a "Diversity Task Force."
· In summer of 2007,OGF'sboard approveda recommendation from the task force and formed a standing committee on inclusion. The charge of the committee is as follows: “Through leadership, programs and information sharing, the Committee on Inclusion helps OGF, its members and organized philanthropy in Ohio understand, promote and implement the principles of inclusion and diversity in leadership, operations, programs and community involvement activities.”
· That committee spent the next year in conversation with members and outside experts including Renee Branch from Council on Foundations and Henry Ramos, Director/Lead Consultant, Diversity in Philanthropy Project.
· Upon recommendation of this committee,in the summer of 2008, OGF's board adoptedthe Diversity in Philanthropy Project‘s Diversity Principles for itselfandis formally encouragedeach OGF member to do the same. OGF was one of the first Regional Association of Grantmakers in the nation to formally adopt the Diversity in Philanthropy Project’s Diversity Principles. The DPP principles reflect a collective, voluntary effort to hold ourselves to a higher standard and to continue an important focus on the importance of diversity and inclusion in helping us more effectively achieve our missions.When organizations renew their memberships, they are asked to commit to OGF’s Guiding Principles, and are also asked to consider OGF’s Diversity Principles.
· In Fall 2008, Chancellor Eric Fingerhut, Ohio Board of Regents invited OGF to assist in the formation of an Advisory Board to provide guidance around policy and strategies to strengthen diversity and inclusion in the implementation of the 10 Year Strategic Plan for Higher Education in the State of Ohio. OGF will make 5 recommendations for members from Ohio foundations and 5 recommendations for non profit practitioners from throughout the state. OGF will resource the new advisory committee.
OGF’s CEO Leadership Circle
· OGF’s inclusion committee recognized the importance of leadership in this effort and decided to form a CEO Leadership Circle. The Leadership Circle will provide a forum for foundation leaders to share learnings and experiences with their peers across Ohio who are responding to these issues.
· At OGF’s 2008 annual conference in Cleveland, foundation leaders were invited to participate in the first CEO Leadership Circle. The Leadership Circle will meet twice in 2009- in the spring and prior to the fall annual conference- to report progress they have made and hold each other accountable.
· Leadership Circle members commit to being leaders in a top-down effort to increase diversity; agree to review OGF’s Diversity Principles and consider with board and/or staff how they might be implemented in your organization; work on developing and promoting inclusive practices for their organization; and agree to be listed as a member of OGF’s CEO Leadership Circle.
· Nearly 20 foundation leaders from across the state attended the spring 2009 CEO Leadership Circle session led by Mary Ellen S. Capek and Henry Ramos, Diversity in Philanthropy Project. Leadership Circle members are interested in different areas and are at varying points in the process, yet come to the table with enthusiasm and openness.
OGF’s Alignment with the national Diversity in Philanthropy Project
· OGF continues to align its actions with activities of the Diversity in Philanthropy Project (DPP) and will continue to collaborate through a partnership of seven regional associations of Grantmakers to promote diversity within the sector. DPP is set up as a short term 3 year project and are currently working with various stakeholders to determine the next stage of the work and developing a five- year agenda going forward to strengthen diversity in philanthropy. The consortium entitled D5 consists of the Council on Foundations (COF); the Foundation Center; a coalition of 7 Regional Associations of Grantmakers across the country (including OGF); a cohort of Population-Focused Community Funds; and Joint Affinity Groups.
OGF Diversity & Inclusion Initiative- 2009 and beyond
· As foundations look for ways to achieve greater impact, increasing attention is being focused on the link between effectiveness and a commitment to diversity. We believe that foundations that embrace an agenda of inclusion are able to respond more effectively to the range of issues, people and cultures in their communities.
· It is the responsibility of OGF’s inclusion committee to determine current and future Diversity & Inclusion initiative activities and priorities. Among the strategies and activities being utilized are: supporting the CEO Leadership Circle; providing resources on diversity and inclusion on OGF’s website; and having a 2009 Annual Conference Session on diversity and inclusion in Philanthropy.
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