PALN Ad Transforming MI Philanthropy Through Diversity & Inclusion

Transforming MI Philanthropy Through Diversity and Inclusion


Transforming MI Philanthropy Through Diversity and Inclusion (TMP) is a six-year initiative (2008-2013) designed to increase the effectiveness of organized philanthropy in Michigan.

Over the past 25 years, organized philanthropy has examined and debated the rationale for diversity and inclusion in response to: changing demographics of our nation and the communities served by foundations; recognition of the connection between understanding the unique perspectives of those communities and effective strategies for addressing their needs; pressure from Congress and the media for greater accountability and transparency; and encouragement and support from infrastructure organizations such as CMF.

In recognition of this growing awareness and need for change within the philanthropic sector, CMF, as part of its 2001 strategic planning process involving more than 250 individuals (CMF trustees, members from community, corporate, family and independent foundations and corporate giving programs and CMF staff), began defining its commitment to diversity and inclusion and encouraging members to make a similar commitment (Phase 1). This commitment – grounded in the connection between diversity and inclusion and foundation effectiveness and accountability – is reflected in board actions taken between 2002 and 2009.  

TMP responds to the CMF Board’s:

  • Belief that “diversifying perspectives, talent and experience can help ensure philanthropy’s continued leadership in a rapidly changing society”
  • Directive for CMF to become a more diverse and inclusive membership association and to encourage members to do the same
  • Deepening commitment indicated in resolutions passed in 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009

Transforming Michigan Philanthropy through Diversity & Inclusion FACT SHEET [pdf]

Vision

Be a catalyst for positive social change to transform Michigan communities

Goal

To increase the effectiveness of organized philanthropy in Michigan.

Objectives

  1. To become a diverse and inclusive membership association
  2. To increase member awareness, understanding and support voluntary action to become more diverse and inclusive
  3. To help at least 20 member foundations achieve their goals for diversity and inclusion
  4. To increase the diversity of individuals serving, leading, governing and advising foundations and corporate giving programs

Leadership & Counsel

The CMF Board guides TMP through its Governance Committee which is informed by an Advisory Committee of trustees, members and partners. The Governance and Advisory Committees are chaired by Trustee Carol Goss, president and CEO, The Skillman Foundation. Sterling Speirn, president & CEO, W.K. Kellogg Foundation also serves co-chair of the TMP Advisory Committee.

The TMP initiative is co-led by Kimberly Burton, vice president for corporate services and director of inclusive practices and Vicki Rosenberg, vice president, education, communications and external relations.

In January 2010, CMF announced the establishment of a CMF Diversity & Inclusion Scholar in Residence position and its selection of Dr. Lynn Perry Wooten to serve in that role. Dr. Wooten, associate clinical professor, Ross School of Business and co-director, Center for Positive Organizational Scholarship, University of Michigan. Dr. Wooten will provide advice and counsel to CMF on all aspects of TMP.


CMF Definitions of Inclusion & Diversity:

Inclusive philanthropic organizations seek out and consider the perspectives of diverse individuals to overcome current and historic systemic barriers and exclusion thus ensuring that all individuals have equitable opportunity to participate in society and philanthropy.

Diverse individuals are from different genders, national origins, ethnicities, races, cultures, generations, religions, economic backgrounds, gender identities and sexual orientations, and possess different skills, abilities, lifestyles and beliefs.


Funders & Partners

TMP is supported by grants from the Arcus FoundationW.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and The Skillman Foundation. Lead partners are:


Accomplishments & Priorities

2009 - First Implementation Year Accomplishments - (Download summary)

2010 - Second Implementation Year Priorities - (Download summary)


For More Information:

Contact Kimberly Burton, vice president for corporate services and director of inclusive practices at 313.566.2444

In This Area

  • Peer Action Learning Network
    As a part of CMF’s Transforming Michigan Philanthropy through Diversity   Inclusion initiative, the Peer Action Learning Network is an expert-led, 11 month engagement series designed to strength particicpant foundations’ capacity in diverse and inclusive leadership, management and grantmaking.
  • Knowledge Symposium

Materials

  • Diversity & Inclusion in the Foundation Boardroom: Voices of Diverse Trustees
    The Council of Michigan Foundations’ newest publication presents the practical knowledge and experiences of diverse individuals who have served on Michigan foundation boards and provides a compelling context for foundations seeking to build diversity and create an inclusive culture in the boardroom. The report includes a Board Discussion Guide and case study written by Bill Ryan, co-author of "Governance as Leadership." An additional perspective on board diversity and this publication is shared here in a BoardSource blogpost by Vicki Rosenberg.
  • Diversity & Inclusion in Michigan Foundations: Voices of Arab Americans
    In May 2012, the Council of Michigan Foundations, in partnership with the Center for Arab American Philanthropy, engaged more than two dozen Arab American leaders in a focus group event to build understanding and relationships with ethnic and identity-based philanthropists. This report focuses on the organizational needs and aspirations of Arab American leaders and donors practicing philanthropy in our state and presents the findings from the first in a series of focus groups.
  • TMP Fact Sheet 2011 - UPDATE
  • 2009 Accomplishments
    A summary of TMP's accomplishments in 2009 - the first year of implementation.
  • 2010 Priorities by Objective
    Summarizes the priorities to be accomplished in 2010 - the second year of TMP implentation.
[More]

Links

  • Council on Foundations Diversity & Inclusive Practices
    The Council on Foundations, a CMF partner, offers reports, resources and perspectives on diversity and inclusion nationally, including 2 reports on Career Pathways to Philanthropic Leadership - a 2009 Baseline Report and a Conversation Report