Time to Worry? 4 Tips for Capital Campaigns Centered Around DEIAB

For countless nonprofits, DEIAB — Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging — are not just a set of buzz words or an obligatory checklist. DEIAB work is deeply woven into their missions and central to their campaign goals.

4 Tips for Capital Campaigns Centered Around DEIAB

So, what happens when DEIAB comes under scrutiny? What should you do if your current or upcoming campaign is rooted in these values?

Here are four useful tips.

1. Don’t Panic. Assess.

It might feel risky to move forward with a campaign focused on these ideals when DEIAB is in the spotlight. It’s not time to quit — it’s time to assess.

Start with scenario planning. If federal funding isn’t a significant factor in the success of your campaign, you may be ready to proceed. If funding cuts are jeopardizing the stability of your work, you’ll need to think strategically.

Scan your environment. You may find that your donors are more committed than ever, because they see what could be lost and want to be part of the solution. Or maybe the path forward involves raising gap funding and refined campaign objectives. Either way, your work matters.

2. Lose the Jargon, Keep the Intent.

Let’s be honest — “DEI” is overused jargon and has lost much of its meaning. But the larger ideals behind those three little letters are beautiful:

• making sure everyone is welcome and able to participate;
• providing what individuals and communities specifically need, not one-size-fits-all solutions;
• and seeing uniqueness as an asset to celebrate rather than a difference to hide.

Isn’t that what your work is about? Bringing folks together and creating a sense of belonging. You build communities around shared values. You inspire people to advocate, volunteer, and donate for the greater good. Because of you, people feel more connected. They feel seen and valued because your organization invited them to be part of your mission work.

Don’t let go of the inspiring vision. Simply step away from the loaded language and instead paint a word picture of your values in action.

3. Choose Campaign Leaders and Partners that Reflect Your Values.

One of our current clients is ICJS, the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies. Their mission is bold:

“To dismantle religious bias and bigotry, ICJS builds learning communities where religious difference becomes a powerful force for good.”

They invited three campaign co-chairs — each representing a different religious tradition. It wasn’t symbolic — it was essential. Their campaign goals, leadership structure, and messaging all reflect their interreligious mission.

Likewise, you should invite individuals who represent your mission to serve as chairs or committee members. Let your leaders embody diversity and belonging in action.

If you are building or renovating a facility, hire vendors that represent diversity: businesses owned by people of color, women, individuals with disabilities (seen or invisible), members of the LGBTQ+ community, and other underrepresented groups. Your campaign spending can align with your values and multiply your impact.

4. Be Bold with your Key Supporters.

Factors impacting the nonprofit sector are constantly changing — economies shift, administrations change, software tools evolve. But your core supporters are faithful. They have sustained the nonprofit. They want transparency from you now and always.

As Seth Godin reminded listeners on a recent Capital Campaign Pro podcast, focus on communicating with “the people who really get you.” Try the George Bailey experiment inspired by the classic movie, It’s a Wonderful Life. Ask yourself — if your nonprofit closed:

• Who would be most heartbroken?
• Who would lose their beloved community?

Those are the people who need your organization to affirm your steadfast values. Be consistent in your mission, but tailor the message according to the audience. Mindfully use the language that will galvanize your inner circle’s commitment to the cause.

Stay the Course with Your Campaign

There is never a “perfect” time for a campaign. There are always challenges or uncertainties. But your mission matters.

Stay true to your values. Communicate clearly with your closest supporters. Carefully choose your leaders and partners. And continue to work toward campaign success.