Inclusion by Design
A Learning & Support Series by TAG
Technology and operations staff are too often excluded from equity work.
As evidenced by data from the 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 pleased to offer an updated learning and support series to advance DEI for technology-related staff, teams, vendors, and consultants in philanthropy. Formerly known as “Equity Essentials”, this unique program is designed with tech teams and modern leaders in mind, recognizing the pivotal role that technology systems and staff play in advancing equity.
Congratulations to all who have completed the program!
Interested in the Inclusion by Design 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 2025 in partnership with Lekisha Middleton from the Good Success Network, 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 eight-week intensive program 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 bi-weekly peer learning events, meant to provide context to what you learn on your own and build rapport with peers on the journey. All 4 virtual events will occur at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT and the expected time commitment for these events will be 90 minutes per session.
2025 Learning Events
- Welcome & Introduction to the Inclusion by Design 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.
Learn More: Program Information Session
February 12, 2025
What is the “Inclusion by Design” program?
Meet with TAG’s Director of Programs, Gozi Egbuonu, and Cadence Corbin, Programs Manager – as well as our Program Facilitator, Lekisha Middleton from the Good Success Network – to learn how this latest version of the “Equity Essentials” program will work and how you can get started.
Program Cost
Program fees are offered on a sliding scale basis, ranging from $150-$450 per person for the eight week intensive 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:
$250 – Small Org TAG Member (<$250M in assets or <$1M in annual revenue)
$350 – Mid-Sized TAG Member ($250 M–$1B in assets or $1M–$5M in annual revenue)
$400 – Large Org TAG Member (>$1B in assets or >$5M in annual revenue)
$450 – Non-Member
Program costs are non-refundable. Limit of 5 participants per organization.
Program Duration
The 2025 Inclusion by Design program will launch on March 6, 2025 and conclude on April 17, 2025.
- Self-guided coursework begins upon registration. Six (6) self-guided courses will be provided.
- The first virtual learning event with peers will be held on March 6, 2025. Four (4) virtual learning events will be provided.
- All sessions are required to be completed by May 30, 2025 to earn a certificate of completion.
NOTE: An optional in-person workshop will be offered in November 2025 at the TAG2025 Conference.