Equity Essentials For Philanthropy Tech
A Learning & Support Series by TAG
Technology and operations staff are too often excluded from equity work.
As evidenced by data from the 2018 and 2020 State of Philanthropy Tech surveys, a significant percentage of tech teams (ranging from 40-50%) do not have any programs or training related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
This means that the staff and consultants stewarding technology often fall behind their program peers when it comes to DEI awareness and skills, a gap that leaves them unable to contribute and lead this work in their organizations.
To address this gap, TAG is launching an updated 2024 learning and support series to advance DEI for technology-related staff, teams, vendors, and consultants in philanthropy. This first of its kind program is designed with tech teams and modern leaders in mind, recognizing the often pivotal role that technology systems and staff play in advancing equity.
Congratulations to all who have completed the program!
Interested in the Equity Essentials program?
Contact Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs for TAG, to learn more or to discuss supporting this initiative.
Program Overview
This multi-modal and outcomes-oriented curriculum has been updated for 2024 in partnership with Frontline Solutions to provide equity awareness and skill-building for staff and partners working in philanthropy tech. In addition, this program serves as an opportunity to recognize the important role equity plays in being a well-rounded leader in today’s digital age.
Whether you are just getting started or have already completed equity-related courses, this 5-month curriculum is a step on your DEI journey that will improve understanding, build skills, and strengthen your network of changemakers.
The program includes four components:
6 Self-Guided Online Courses
Immerse yourself in the foundational courses on your own schedule. Coursework commitment ranges from 60-90 minutes per module.
- Shared Language to Advance Equity
- Structural Racism in the US
- Introducing a Framework for Advancing Equity
- Inclusive & Participatory Application Design
- Exploring the Role of Data in Equity Work
- Operationalizing Equity
4 Virtual Learning Events
Gain a deeper understanding of coursework through monthly peer learning events, meant to provide context to what you learn on your own and build rapport with peers on the journey. All virtual events will occur at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT and the expected time commitment for these events will range from 60-90 minutes per session.
2024 Learning Events
- Welcome & Introduction to the Equity Essentials Series
- Applying Inclusive & Participatory Design Techniques in Philanthropy
- Using Data Equitably
- Becoming an Advocate, Working with Vendors
Peer Learning Forum
Supplement your inquiry and peer conversation in a dedicated, private chat space built directly within the program’s learning platform, MightyNetworks. Facilitated bi-weekly conversations will invite you to collaborate and share insights inspired by curriculum topics. Participation is optional but highly encouraged.
Course Certificate Upon Completion
Digital certificates via Credly.com are offered for participants who complete all coursework. Consultants, product providers, and vendors who earn the certificate may opt to be included in TAG’s Directory of Certificate Earners, addressing a long-standing request by philanthropic organizations to provide a list of vendors committed to equity.
NOTE: All sessions are required to earn a certificate of completion by June 30, 2024.
Learn More: Program Information Session
January 18, 2024
What is the “Equity Essentials” program?
At this event, we’ll hear from TAG staff members, Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs, and Hugo Castro, Director of Operations – as well as the Frontline Solutions team – to learn how this latest version of the program will work and how you can get started.
Did you miss this event? Watch the recording!
Program Cost
Program fees are offered on a sliding scale basis, ranging from $150-$350 per person for the 5-month program. Fees are based on asset size for grantmakers and revenue for vendors. The program is open to TAG members and non-members who work in technology-related roles in philanthropy.
Cost per attendees is as follows:
$150 – Small Org TAG Member (<$250M in assets or <$1M in annual revenue)
$250 – Mid-Sized TAG member ($250 M–$1B in assets or $1M–$5M in annual revenue)
$300 – Large Org TAG Member (>$1B in assets or >$5M in annual revenue)
$350 – Non-Member
Program costs are non-refundable. Limit of 5 participants per organization.
Program Duration
The 2024 Equity Essentials program launched on January 25, 2024 and concluded on May 2, 2024.
- Self-guided coursework began upon registration. Six (6) self-guided courses were provided.
- The first virtual learning event with peers was held February 8, 2024. Four (4) virtual learning events were provided.
- All sessions are required to be completed by June 30, 2024 to earn a certificate of completion.
NOTE: An optional in-person workshop was offered in November 2023 at the TAG2023 Conference.