Are you aware of Disability Grantmaking and the Disability Inclusion Pledge?

David Hazeltine

I attended the United Philanthropy Forum--an annual gathering of National Philanthropy-Serving Organizations (PSOs)--in Seattle earlier this week, and one particular session that I attended grabbed me: “The Power of Disability Inclusion” - led by Emily Harris, Executive Director of the Disability & Philanthropy Forum. The Forum is an emerging PSO created by the Presidents' Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy.

Emily and her team pointed out a BIG Inequity: Disability Has Been Overlooked.

There are 61 million adults in the U.S. who live with disabilities. Greater than one in four people with disabilities live in poverty, and they are less than half as likely to be employed or to attain a college degree compared to people without disabilities.

But despite these realities, philanthropy is only now starting to recognize disability as a key element of its commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusion. In fact (and sadly), only about 1% of all granted funds nationwide are directed to disability initiatives.

So, I'm posting here to ask you all… Are you currently granting--or have near-future plans to grant funds to--disability initiatives?

And, if you have not heard of the Disability Inclusion Pledge, visit www.disabilityphilanthropy.org to see the growing list of Grantmaking and philanthropy-serving organizations that have signed on--and please consider joining the list.

Lastly, in addition to the question above, my colleagues and I on the grantmaking solutions team here at Blackbaud would love to hear your thoughts on how ‘Disability Grantmaking’ fits into your organization's mission and future plans.