Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

Global Fund for Children is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our organization and we are committed to promoting greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility among the organizations and leaders we partner with.

Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent that our team members invest in their work, represents a significant part of not only our culture but our reputation and achievements as well.

We embrace and encourage our team’s differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, youth status, and other characteristics that make our employees unique. GFC’s goal is to celebrate the differences.

As an organization we are committed to youth development and giving youth a voice in the work of GFC. We strive to demonstrate a trust and respect for the agency of young people and create meaningful youth participation that impacts and transforms our grantmaking work on multiple levels.

GFC’s diversity initiatives are applicable – but not limited – to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; social and recreational programs; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of equity that encourages and enforces:

• Respectful communication and cooperation
• Teamwork, accessibility, and inclusive participation, permitting the representation of all groups and perspectives
• Work/life balance to accommodate varying needs and promote well-being
• Contributions to the communities we serve to promote a greater understanding and respect for diversity

The Board of Directors has a critical role to play in the success of this policy. The Board of Directors will:

• Dedicate time and resources to expand greater diversity within our board and leadership
• Address systemic inequities that impact our work at the board level and address inequities according to policy and in accordance with GFC’s mission and values

All GFC team members have a responsibility to always treat others with dignity and respect. Team members are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during work, at work functions, and at all other sponsored and participative events.

Any team member found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action.

Team members who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with the diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from a supervisor or the designated human resources representative.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility last revised July 26, 2022.

Header photo: Girls outdoors at GFC partner WAVES in Sierra Leone. © Global Fund for Children