Exploring Needs for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Practices in Arts and Culture Nonprofits in Denver, Colorado

Abstract

This article summarizes the findings of a survey of leaders from 10 of these nonprofits and discusses them within the context of a review of literature on diversity efforts among other arts organizations in North America. Drawing from these findings, the authors recommend that arts grantmakers can most effectively support nonprofits in their DEI work through building the field, supporting a diverse workforce, and measuring progress. article identifies key strategic and co-creation also highlights lessons learned for working As philanthropy becomes increasingly globalized, it is important to understand how funding institutions vary across cultures. Chinese foundations flourished in the 21st century, and empirical studies emerged to address their activities and relations with the government. Yet there has been little research synthetically reviewing their development and operation. As a result, we often lack the knowledge of the context in which these organizations interact with state and society. This article explores the history of Chinese foundations across three time periods. Within those three periods, it also examines overseas foundations and their representative offices in China. The discussion covers the normative and contextualized foundation operations in regard to the legal, political, and economic environment during each phase. This article helps readers understand and interpret findings from research on Chinese foundations, and provides practical information to practitioners who work, or will work, for or with foundations in China. Planned communities of practice can be an effective means to create and spread knowledge. This article explores the degree to which CoPs can be initiated by funders, and presents the lessons learned and outcomes achieved from long-term commitments by the McKnight Foundation’s Collaborative Crop Research Program. This article shows that a funder can initiate, support, and participate in a CoP comprised of its grantees, which can succeed in sharing and creating knowledge. Factors include long-term investment in convenings and facilitation, as well as relinquishing some control over outcomes. Research shows that the McKnight program’s communities of practice have provided a space for various actors in Africa and the Andes region to develop adaptive capacity related to food system research and action through social learning. Well-supported and facilitated CoPs offer a promising approach. effort sought to reduce Missouri’s uninsured rate by developing a broad-based state coalition and employing a three-pronged approach: awareness building and outreach, enrollment assistance, and increasing health literacy. The rate of uninsured Missourians dropped to 9% during the ECI’s time frame. Coalition members pointed to the value of collaboration, access to expertise, the locally tailored approach of the initiative, and the maintenance of a politically neutral stance in the effort to support implementation of a complex federal policy. This article explores the initiative’s lessons and legacy, and shares key insights for other funders looking to support efforts to advance health care coverage.