Who is a Grants Manager? A Look at Diversity at GMN
A recent series of GMN Examiner articles followed the field-wide discussion on whether and how grantmakers should track and disclose the diversity of their boards, staff, grantees, and vendors. We’d like to continue that discussion by taking a look inward — at GMN membership and leadership.
Before we dive into what we know about diversity in the profession, it will be helpful to examine what we mean by the term. Diversity can encompass an enormous range of dimensions. GMN has selected five basic diversity categories on which to focus its initial tracking and analysis efforts: type of grantmaker, geography, gender, race/ethnicity, and age.
These are characteristics that members bring with them as they join. At this point in its organizational development, GMN does not have the resources to initiate its own efforts to make the profession more diverse, but strongly supports Diversity in Philanthropy and complementary regional and national efforts that are tackling the tough issues involved in attracting a more diverse workforce to philanthropy. GMN’s current efforts are focused on understanding the existing diversity of its members and working to make sure that diversity is represented throughout its leadership — at the board, national team, and regional chapter levels. GMN also strives for inclusive practices, as demonstrated through our board nomination process, which asks for nominations from all GMN members.
The main challenge to achieving representative leadership at GMN is recruiting a broad volunteer base. Outside of consultants, GMN has a very small staff with just one full-time staff member. Its more than 150 volunteers are the leaders and implementers of nearly everything GMN does. And this is especially important as the volunteer base is the pool from which potential board member nominees are identified.
We hope you will consider joining them — giving a little of your time and a lot of your experience, skills, and perspectives. It’s a wonderful opportunity to expand your resume, give back to the field, and potentially lead GMN as a board member. Please contact mgreanias [at-sign] gmnetwork [dot] org (Michelle Greanias) to discuss available volunteer opportunities.
So, what do we know about GMN members based on available demographic data?