DEI Isn't Dead
- Kerry Shanahan
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
In a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are being challenged, questioned, and even set aside, it can feel difficult to know whether your DEI initiatives are making a lasting impact.
But if you work in the nonprofit space, DEI isn’t a passing initiative. It’s a fundamental value that should be built into the DNA of your fundraising events—and it’s more important now than ever.
Why Now?
In this climate of uncertainty, what you choose to prioritize says everything about who you are. As national conversations become more polarized, it’s easy for organizations to feel pressure to play it safe. But in doing so, we risk losing the very trust, authenticity, and community-building that makes nonprofit work so powerful.
When you model equity and belonging through your events, you show your guests, your donors, and your community that your mission is grounded in action. You show that you’re paying attention. And you remind people why nonprofit spaces are often the leaders in imagining—and creating—a better future.
DEI Isn't a Checkbox—It's a Lens
When DEI becomes a checklist (“Did we have a speaker of color?” “Did we remember a land acknowledgment?”), it loses impact and authenticity. But when you use DEI as a lens for your full event strategy—how your guests are welcomed, who is on stage, who is in the room, and how your mission is framed—it creates an event that is more inclusive, more powerful, and more aligned with your values.
This might mean:
Featuring a range of voices, not just in your programming but in your planning process
Offering materials and interpretation in multiple languages from the beginning of your event planning to the post-event thank-you communication
Highlighting lived experiences by inviting speakers from someone your organization directly serves, not just board or staff
Taking time to truly understand your community—both the people you serve and the donors in the room—and shaping your event around their lived experiences, preferences, and needs, rather than assumptions
DEI Strengthens Fundraising
Donors today want transparency. When your event reflects a real commitment to inclusion and equity, it deepens donor trust and engagement. It also expands your reach: by building events that are welcoming to broader audiences, you invite new supporters, new partnerships, and new conversations.
And your donors are paying attention. Now more than ever, people are looking around and noticing which organizations are living up to their promises. They’re not just listening to what you say; they’re watching what you do. Donors are putting their dollars toward organizations they believe are doing the real, intentional work of building inclusive communities.
And as the next generation of donors steps forward, DEI is not just appreciated—it’s expected. Younger supporters are looking for organizations that reflect their values and take real action toward equity and inclusion.
DEI Is an Ongoing Practice—Not a One-Time Fix
The world is evolving, and so are expectations around inclusion. What was considered progressive a few years ago might now be considered the baseline. This is a good thing. But it also means your event strategy needs to evolve, too. And with DEI being such a hot topic—for better or worse—there’s more discourse than ever about what’s expected, acceptable, and truly progressive.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being intentional. Ask the hard questions:
Are we listening to our community about what they value most right now?
Who is represented on our panels and in our videos?
What are we assuming about our audience that might not be true?
And most importantly: Who are we centering in this event, and who might be getting left out?
Moving Forward with Intention
We know the DEI conversation feels more fraught than ever—but that’s not a reason to retreat. It’s a reason to dig deeper, get creative, and stay committed.
Because when you center equity in your events, you’re not just hosting a fundraiser. You’re modeling the world you’re working to build.
Want help making your next event more inclusive and impactful? Click the link below to schedule a consultation, or visit our Services page to learn how GFS Events can support you in bringing DEI values to life in your events.
