Nonprofit policies in an anti-DEI legislative environment

• In Event: Impacts of a First, and now Second, Trump Administration

Abstract

Despite the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, programs, or policies for organizations, some organizations do not have them. In fact, public discourse surrounding DEI has pressured many organizations, including nonprofits, to remove DEI policies given their resource dependence and stakeholder expectations. This is evidenced in the many public announcements by companies like Target, and nonprofits like National Public Radio of their departure from DEI. It is also seen in the nonprofit sector advice being given by industry experts like The Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council on Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum. We examine North Carolina nonprofits’ DEI policies in 2024 and again in 2025 and consider how various pressures from stakeholders influence commitment to DEI before and after legislative changes from the Trump Administration. Findings from 2024 show that nonprofits are continuing to double down on their DEI commitment regardless of changes in legislation, likely due to belief in their mission, alignment with marginalized communities, and commitment to long-term, systemic change, allowing them to remain steadfast in their DEI efforts despite shifting cultural and political winds. Expanding the study to collect additional data in the summer of 2025 creates a longitudinal cross-sectional design, presenting  an opportunity to reexamine commitment to DEI policies in the face of Executive Orders requiring removal of DEI in various types of organizations. This second round of the survey also offers insight into if and how nonprofits change their approach to fundraising in response to the current political and funding environment. 

Author

• Jennifer Beightley, University of North Carolina, Charlotte
  Presenting Author