Today, EPIP Members represent the most diverse generation in American History. 45 percent of our members identify as people of color, nearly two-thirds as women, and eight percent as LGBTQ. In short, we are the diversity -- and more importantly the inclusive diversity -- we seek for philanthropy.

Our members also share a deep commitment to advancing equity. We have been inspired and energized by foundation leaders who stand and speak for diversity, equity and inclusion, respond to community-driven movements for social change, and prove foundations can be both strategic and responsive. Simultaneously, we know there is much more work to be done, and so we at EPIP provide the space for emerging leaders to gear-up, idea-up, and community-up as they pursue greater equity.

For these reasons and more, EPIP is proud to be a core partner of CHANGE Philanthropy, a coalition of identity-based, philanthropy-supporting organizations. We stand with our fellow partners in CHANGE: Hispanics in Philanthropy, Native Americans in Philanthropy, Asian American and Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy, ABFE, Women’s Funding Network, and Funders for LGBTQ Issues. CHANGE arises out of the Joint Affinity Groups and will build bridges between funders and communities, support the diversification of leadership in philanthropy (creating new opportunities for our members to lead). CHANGE also advocates for foundations to adopt grantmaking practices that support equity for marginalized communities (creating new opportunities for our members to serve and empower others).

To learn more about CHANGE and the coalition partners, please visit: www.changephilanthropy.org. Also, if you are a part of the EPIP Community and have questions about our involvement in CHANGE, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

About the Authors

Tamir Novotny is the Executive Director of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP). In this role, he stewards a community of nearly 1,400 foundation professionals and social change agents and over 50 philanthropic institutions committed to building a more just, equitable and sustainable world. 

Christine Reeves Strigaro is the Chair of EPIP's Board of Advisors and Director of Foundation Programs at the Alliance for Justice. She creates content that explores the question: “How can foundations be advocates with grantmaking and beyond?” Christine is dedicated to philanthropy that addresses root causes of problems, while serving and empowering communities most affected by those problems.