Justice and Equity Commitment
We believe in a more equitable, inclusive, and just future, where diversity flourishes.
A commitment to justice and equity is at the core of our vision.
Only when the institutions, structures, policies, and practices that form the bedrock of societies are just and equitable will true progress be made and sustained. Injustices rooted in history still manifest today and make it so that all people don’t have the same opportunities to realize the dreams they have for themselves and their families.
We have a focused commitment to advancing racial equity in the U.S. and gender equity globally. And through each of our grantmaking initiatives, from reproductive health to ocean and global climate to supporting children and families, we seek to unroot injustices and inequities and reimagine the future.
We celebrate our diversity among our partners, staff, and peers. Across the range of backgrounds, cultures, and individual people who make up the Packard Foundation, we are united in our mission, vision, and values.
Living our commitment
Centering justice and equity
At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to justice and equity. In our grantmaking, we have a dedicated focus on racial equity in the U.S. and on gender equity globally. Internally, we are actively identifying ways to enhance the diversity of our staff and Board of Trustees and to implement more inclusive and equitable practices.
A $100 million commitment
In 2020, the Packard Foundation committed $100 million to provide grants to organizations working to advance racial justice in the U.S.
Increasing diversity from within
We recognize diversity as the representation of all our identities and differences, collectively and as individuals. We understand that all forms of diversity, especially those historically marginalized or underrepresented, are crucial for enhancing overall effectiveness and upholding our values.
Understanding who we fund
We are partnering with Candid to collect, analyze, and share grantee demographic data and deepen our understanding of who we fund. This is a critical first step as we continue to learn more about how this information can help inform important conversations about our grantmaking practices.
Defining our commitment
As a part of the Packard Foundation’s commitment to justice and equity, the Foundation identified a need for a shared understanding and definitions of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging. Together Packard Foundation staff and trustees co-created definitions for these terms which inform the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
Diversity
We celebrate diversity. Diversity is the representation of all our identities and differences, collectively and as individuals. We recognize that all forms of diversity, particularly those that have been historically marginalized or under-represented, are important for increasing overall effectiveness and fulfilling our values. We seek to embody diversity on our teams, in the work we do, and in how we carry out that work.
Inclusion
We strive for inclusion. Inclusion is an active practice of inviting diverse perspectives and voices by intentionally creating space, acknowledging unequal power in relationships, and making appropriate accommodations for people to meaningfully participate. We seek to incorporate diverse voices, opinions, and expertise into discussion and decision-making processes.
Belonging
We endeavor to create a culture of belonging. To belong means that people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel accepted and celebrated for who they are and feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves. We seek to foster an environment where authenticity strengthens our collective impact.
Equity
We champion equity. Equity is the equality of outcomes across different identities achieved through opportunity and access to information, resources, systems, and power, which yields a world where all members of society can reach their full potential. We seek to understand complex historical and social dynamics and take actions that recognize and account for injustice.
Justice
We pursue justice. Justice is fair and equitable access to power and ensuring systems are effective, accountable, and inclusive at all levels. It requires constant practice and ongoing commitment. We seek to recognize the history and lived experiences people carry with them and to address the impact of systemic historical injustices.