Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
The Sudbury Foundation’s mission of Investing in People, Place and Possibility inspires us to support justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all forms.
That inspiration has led to many questions: How can we be more inclusive? Are we listening to and learning from our grant partners? Should we shift our funding focus? Do we recognize our own biases? What is appropriate to ask our grant partners about their experiences? Should we adjust our application and reporting processes? How do we find new non-profit partners?
This is a time for transparency.
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Completed five years of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion grants (2020-2024) for nonprofits in the Foundation’s catchment area for anti-racism learning and action. Awarded 131 grants totaling over $560,000.
Convened three “Lunch and Learn” programs with MetroWest Nonprofit Network during which grant partners shared learnings from equity projects funded with Foundation grants.
Continually reevaluate all grant program applications and eliminate unnecessary elements to reduce the administrative burden for grant applicants.
Made three impact investments totaling $500,000 to the Cooperative Fund of the Northeast since 2020.
Revised our Atkinson Scholarship Program for high school students to improve equity and access.
When selecting new vendors, the Foundation seeks out BIPOC/women-owned or managed businesses.
Worked with a consultant to examine and challenge our inherent biases from a place of white privilege.
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Continue offering Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion grants to local nonprofits and convening grant partners periodically for mutual learning.
Continue to review our Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Grants to strive for greater impact.
Conducting ongoing board and staff education, conversation, and workshops.
Continuing to learn from our grant partners.
Expanding community outreach to identify and build new partnerships.
Seeking feedback and reviewing grantmaking practices, including applications and reports.
Continue to review and refine our scholarship program with an equity lens to reduce access barriers, and to ensure resources are directed where most needed.
Reviewing internal processes and requirements for board recruitment, vendor selection, and purchasing.
Our plan of action is fluid and evolving. We appreciate your patience and support as we learn and grow. The team at the Sudbury Foundation is grateful and energized by the possibilities.