The Presidents’ Forum on Racial Equity in Philanthropy

TThe Presidents’ Forum was launched in 2018 by the Institute for Strategic and Equitable Development (ISED), in partnership with Keecha Harris and Associates (KHA). This body of work emerged as a result of the InDEEP initiative’s programming.

The Presidents’ Forum focuses specifically on racial and ethnic equity by developing a peer-to-peer support and learning network among foundation leaders. It achieves this through facilitated dialogue for CEOs who are dedicated to shifting the tide of philanthropy toward a diversified, equitable, and inclusive giving community. The Forum’s goal is to create a space where CEOs can candidly discuss the most difficult issues and trade-offs around equity and think through these important issues with others facing the same or similar questions.

In six years, the Presidents’ Forum has gained the attention and support of more than 65 foundations with aggregate assets of $113 billion. Almost fifty foundations’ CEOs participated in first assessment interviews, providing a rare glimpse into CEO thinking and needs when centering racial equity.

In May 2023, The Presidents’ Forum (KHA), ABFE, and the MacArthur Foundation launched a series of eight webinars to prepare for and respond to the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action. The series aimed to support funders in creatively and responsibly advancing racial equity. It provided a platform for foundation CEOs and senior leaders to discuss strategies, share concerns, and foster collaboration, ensuring their effectiveness despite the new legal constraints.

You can read more about the Forum’s work in these Chronicle of Philanthropy articles by KHA CEO and Presidents’ Forum Director Keecha Harris:

• 6 Steps Foundations Can Take to Advance Equity
• How 2 White Leaders of Big Foundations Are Tackling Racial Equity

How can I get involved?

Please email [email protected] for more information on upcoming activities and to learn about investor opportunities. We look forward to having you join us on this journey!