The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation (GTRCF) is the first community foundation in the state of Michigan to sign onto the Disability Inclusion Pledge, which was developed by the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy to advance disability inclusion across the philanthropic sector.

The Disability Inclusion Pledge recognizes that ableism is a barrier to equity and inclusion, and foundations who have signed the pledge will commit to advancing systemic change within their organizations regarding disability inclusion. 

“Within our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we include health and ability status as an element of diversity. This means that disability inclusion must be a lens through which we consider our DEI priorities and through which we support our five-county region,” David Mengebier, President and CEO of GTRCF, CMF trustee and CMF Government Relations Public Policy Co-Chair said in a press release.

By signing the Disability Inclusion Pledge, GTRCF is committing to disability inclusion learning and pursuing action steps that go above and beyond minimum legal requirements, including but not limited to:

•    Incorporating disability inclusion language into organization communications.

•    Examining grantmaking process to be move inclusive of people with disabilities.

•    Providing regular disability education trainings to both the staff and board of directors.

•    Improving accessibility options at hosted events and engagements.

As CMF reported earlier this year, several foundations joined the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy to work together to advance disability inclusion through the Disability & Philanthropy Forum, including The Kresge Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Convened by the presidents of the Ford and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations, the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy consists of 17 foundations, including The Kresge Foundation, who have committed to work together to advance inclusion.  

The council’s long-term vision is to integrate disability rights and justice within the philanthropic sector through implementing disability-inclusive policies and practices, increasing representation in philanthropy by having more individuals who are disabled work as staff and board members and focusing on disability inclusive grantmaking. 

Want more?

Read the full press release.

Learn more about the Disability Inclusion Pledge.