The Fundraising Coach is a brand of The Concord Leadership Group, LLC so wholeheartedly stands by it’s DEI statement at Leadership is DEI. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are deeply rooted in our values. And they’re how we need to continue operating in all sections, including the nonprofit sector. Here is the full text of that statement.
Leadership is DEI
As leaders, we have a responsibility to build organizations where all people can thrive. At the Concord Leadership Group, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords – they are essential elements of effective leadership and organizational excellence.
The research is clear: diverse teams consistently outperform homogeneous ones. But achieving real diversity requires more than just hiring practices. It demands that we, as leaders, actively create environments where different perspectives are not just tolerated but actively sought out and valued.
Equity goes beyond surface-level fairness. It requires us to examine our systems, policies, and unconscious biases. Are we truly providing equal access to opportunities? Are we removing barriers that might hold some team members back? These questions should make us uncomfortable – that discomfort drives positive change.
Inclusion is where many well-meaning leaders stumble. It’s not enough to have diverse representation – every person needs to know they belong and that their voice matters. This requires ongoing, intentional effort to create psychological safety and genuine connection.
At the Concord Leadership Group, we’re committed to DEI not just because it’s good for business (though it demonstrably is), but because it’s fundamentally the right thing to do. We believe every person deserves meaningful and fulfilling work and to have their unique gifts recognized and celebrated.
This commitment shapes everything we do – from finding vendors to our coaching methodologies to how we structure our programs. We’re not perfect, but we’re dedicated to continuous learning and improvement in this vital area.
For leaders reading this: I encourage you to embrace any uncertainty you feel about DEI work. Use that doubt as a catalyst to ask better questions, listen more deeply, and take meaningful action. Your team – and our broader society – will be better for it.
The strength of our organizations lies not in spite of our differences, but because of them. When we intentionally create space for diverse voices, systematically work for equity, and consciously foster inclusion, we unlock the full potential of our people and our organizations.
That’s not just good leadership – it’s justice.
