Standing Firm: Deepening Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the New Hampshire Center for Nonprofits, our work has always centered on strengthening the sector that strengthens our communities. This year, as our Board of Directors came together to revisit our strategies, we did so with clear eyes: aware of the rising tide of efforts—nationally and locally—that seek to vilify, discredit, or dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.

Rather than retreat, we chose to reaffirm.

A Strategic Plan for Today’s Realities

In 2023 the Center’s board adopted a strategic plan that set forth our values and priorities.   It reflects our belief that equity is essential to strong nonprofits, vibrant communities, and a just society. It recognizes that supporting New Hampshire’s nonprofit sector means making space for the full diversity of voices, experiences, and identities that power our state’s civic life.

Naming the Moment, Strengthening Our Resolve

We are not naïve to the cultural and political headwinds facing diversity, equity, and inclusion work. But we are also not deterred.

At a time when some are working to silence conversations about race, gender, equity, and systemic injustice, we believe the NH Center for Nonprofit must lead with courage and clarity. Our board has affirmed that our diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments are not optional—they are integral to our effectiveness, credibility, and integrity.

Here’s how that shows up:

• Elevating Equity in Capacity Building: We are committed to equipping all nonprofit leaders with the knowledge, tools, and support to thrive. That means listening to and designing for leaders whose experiences have historically been marginalized.
• Amplifying Diverse Voices: We are expanding our efforts to ensure that our programs, partnerships, and governance structures reflect the rich diversity of New Hampshire’s communities, especially those most often excluded.
• Modeling Equity in Leadership: As a statewide anchor institution, we will use our platform to speak truth, champion inclusion, and stand with those who are advancing justice, especially when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.

Looking Ahead

Our board’s renewed commitment reflects a clear truth: equity strengthens effectiveness. Inclusion builds innovation. Diversity drives resilience. These are not political positions, they are the foundations of strong organizations and thriving communities.

We know this work is ongoing, imperfect, and deeply human. We welcome accountability, dialogue, and partnership as we move forward.

Join Us

We invite nonprofit leaders, funders, policymakers, and community members across New Hampshire to stand with us. The work of building a more equitable sector—and society—cannot be done alone. It requires shared vision, shared courage, and shared action.

Let’s do this work together, with clarity, compassion, and conviction.