OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI)
In April 2020, a few engaged members of Impact 100 Jersey Coast began having conversations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. In line with many other Impact 100 groups, giving circles and the non-profit philanthropic landscape in general, questions arose such as, “Do we have different view points at the table when deciding where to give our grant dollars?” “Is the process we use for deciding grant recipients equitable, or does it simply reinforce the existing structure of giving?” “Are we measuring transformative outcomes with a holistic view of community/humanity?”
Once we pulled back the curtain, there was no stopping, and a committee of 15 members has been diligently working since to ask the bold questions, provoke discussions, suggest and implement changes and enhance the impact of our giving. The work is not easy, and the conversations are not always comfortable, but we believe it is necessary. We invite you to join us on this journey.
– Co-chairs Tasha, Judie and Valerie

L to R: Tasha Youngblood Brown, Judie Saunders, and Valerie Brett, Co-Chairs Impact 100 DEI Working Group.

DEI working group members at 2021 Finalist Reveal
To expand involvement and recruitment of a more diverse population of membership.
Steps taken:
- Targeted Outreach Efforts
- Increased diversity in Leadership Roles
- Creation, review, and integration of DEI approved messaging
To evolve our selection process to ensure the reach and impact of our grants are as inclusive as possible.
Steps taken:
- Expanded Outreach Efforts
- DEI workshop integrated into Grant Review Process training
WORKING GROUP PICKS
TO READ
Decolonizing Wealth by Edgar Villaneuva
From Generosity to Justice: A New Gospel of Wealth by Darren Walker
Our Shared Sector: How Nonprofits Can Address Unconscious Bias
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together a book by Heather McGhee