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 Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and The Skillman Foundation. Lead partners are:

• Community Research Institute, Johnson Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Leadership, Grand Valley State University
• Diversity in Philanthropy Project (DPP), a voluntary national initiative that seeks to expand diversity, equity and inclusion in board and staff representation, grant making and contracting. Learn about CMF and DPP's shared goals and joint products; our co-hosted 2009 Symposium on Diversity & Inclusion in Philanthropy: The Michigan Experience; and its Phase II initiative D5 – a coalition of philanthropy infrastructure partners committed to a collective campaign and individual action to elevate diversity, inclusion and equity in the philanthropic sector over the next five years (2010-2014).
• Michigan Nonprofit Association which has launched a research effort to inform a parallel initiative to TMP focused on nonprofit organizations in Michigan.

Accomplishments & Priorities

• Collect baseline data on:
• Demographics of Michigan foundation staff, trustees and community foundation youth grantmakers
• Policies and Practices
• Staff and Board Attitudes & Perceptions
• Educate and Support member efforts through news, information and resources; workshops; focus groups; annual conference sessions; a Peer Action Learning Community of up to 15 member foundations
• Increase the capacity of CMF and Board
• Develop strategy for increasing diverse individuals' access to careers and executive and trustee roles in foundations   

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