DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation is committed to transforming the way we distribute funding to ensure it is equitable, transparent and representative.
We believe it is imperative for philanthropy to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive in its practices for three main reasons:
How are we delivering this commitment?
BLCF is proud to be an Associate Member of BAOBAB Foundation an alliance of local and national community organisations, private sector organisations, private philanthropists and trusts & foundations committed to empowerment and putting power where it matters, with the community. We are also an active member of The Funders for Race Equalities Alliance, a group of charitable foundations working together to achieve race equality in the UK. The aim of the alliance is to increase funders’ focus on race equality; seeking more and better funding for race equality, with a key focus on BME-led organisations; and improving meaningful racial representation in foundations.
In delivering this BLCF has, in the last 12 months, distributed over £700,000 in Emergency Covid grants .
BLCF work to develop DEI and the sector.
In 2018 BLCF led an innovative project to bring community foundations together to understand DEI and to provide information and support to implement change. The work led to the creation of a DEI Coalition of 17 organisations committed to change and has gone on to inform the work of the national body for Community Foundations; The UK Community Foundation.
BLCF continues to grow its knowledge, partnerships and skills in the area of DEI and has expertise on its Trustee board and staff team and through its associates and partners.
DEI Resources
In developing the DEI Coalition, we delivered a number of workshops and sessions drawing on leaders in the sector for their insights. The resources created and shared are listed below and are freely available for download.
Understanding definitions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
These resources focussed on understanding the definitions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and discussing why this work was important for Foundations.
Unpicking the terms Equity/Equality/Inequality and understanding the picture of inequality in the UK with Fahmida Rahman from the Resolution Foundation.
Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on marginalised groups. Analysing the latest research into the disproportional impact on specific communities and discussing how foundations can provide an appropriate response
ONS Coronavirus and the social impacts on disabled people in Great Britain.
Are some ethnic groups more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others
Nusrat’s Presentation
Grantmaking Checklist
Crises Collide Women and Covid19
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Understanding the impact of Covid 19 on marginalised groups. Analysing the latest research into the disproportional impact on specific communities and discussing how foundations can provide an appropriate response
ONS Coronavirus and the social impacts on disabled people in Great Britain.
Are some ethnic groups more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others
Nusrat’s Presentation
Grantmaking Checklist
Crises Collide Women and Covid19
In this session, the coalition focused on the use and collection of data. Why is it important to collect data? What data should funders be collecting and how should it inform your strategy? The Arts Council also kindly provided us with a case study.
