Bermuda’s nonprofit sector is strongest when it is marked by equity and inclusion at all levels. After all, as stewards of the public good, nonprofits play an important role in upholding the democratic ideals most people value.

In addition to helping area donors "give smarter" to local nonprofits, we use data from GiveBermuda to better understand the islands’ nonprofit sector and help move it forward. By focusing on the root causes of local challenges, seeking solutions with long-term results, and supporting organisations that tend to the vital needs of the islands, we help create the conditions for meaningful transformation in Bermuda.

For example, take the racial and ethnic makeup of governance boards, which are the highest decision-making bodies at nonprofits. Of the hundreds of nonprofit (and for-profit!) board members serving the jurisdiction, a disproportionately small portion are non-white, and that underrepresentation is worse in some nonprofit service categories more than others. Because nonprofit board members play critical roles in ensuring organizations support equity and inclusion in our community, their boards should aim to mirror our region and the breadth of its diversity – racial and ethnic diversity, and other forms of diversity such as gender, socioeconomic background, and professional expertise.

Making change and deepening our collective responsibility towards making Bermuda a more equitable place to live and work involves listening and learning in order to act. For philanthropists, it also means understanding how to respond with your donations urgently and in the long run. You can get started by supporting organisations that are representative of the populations they serve. Here are some guiding principles to help you go deeper with using your philanthropy to advance equity:

Give to grassroots organizations: Though often overlooked they are where movements for change emerge from and they advocate for voices from the communities they serve to be heard in creating solutions. This is how you create effective and sustainable change. Some of the GiveBermuda registrants are grassroots organizations and small-to-medium sized nonprofits.

Give to organisations with leadership that represents the population served. Statistics show that Black people disproportionately experience systemic discrimination, even compared to other disenfranchised and marginalized groups. Any work towards equality must address the needs of these groups. Also, representation in leadership matters a lot. It sends a powerful message of what’s possible and ensures that the work will be delivered in a culturally-relevant and appropriate way.

Get connected: The new philanthropy is about getting informed to take action. Learn from and build relationships with leaders and organizations doing the work to advance equity. Use your platform, networks, and influence to speak up and raise awareness.

Life-long commitment: The Bermuda Foundation’s leadership has a long and deep track record for doing research and taking action to improve outcomes for equality. Being an ally is about the long road. We know you’re motivated to get started but remember that the movement needs your ongoing commitment. We hope you’ll continue to learn, build your relationships and give now and into the future. We too continue to work towards deeper understanding and connections with Black and Indigenous communities to improve how we leverage philanthropy.

Do you want to learn more about equity, access and mobility?

Check out these local resources that we, the Bermuda Foundation, have sourced in support of informing and tackling equity, access and mobility.

"Inequality solutions seen as urgent", November 29, 2017, The Royal Gazette

Field Experts Convening Summary - Income Inequality Nov 2017 with Chuck Collins

Chuck Collins and Inequality – Pre-Debate Remarks

Unpacking Race in Bermuda: A Conversation about racial equity in Bermuda featuring Ottiwell Simmons and Jeff Conyers. 2011. The Aspen Institute.

Amistad to Bermuda: Handbook for Hosting a Neighbourhood Conversation on Race. Edited by Dr. Myra Virgil (CURE) and the Government of Bermuda, 2005

Racial Dynamics in Bermuda in the 21^st Century: Progress and Challenges (2015), K. Lawrence & R. Codrington. Aspen Bermuda Report.

Leadership Strategies - Promoting race Equality in Workplace

Individual & Group Action - Promoting Equality

Change Agent Strategies - Promoting Race Equality

Employment Dos and Don'ts - New or Entering Workforce

Equity, Access and Mobility