Inclusion Starts with “I:” Inclusive Grant Writing

This is a guest blog from Mynesha Spencer, a human relations strategist at All of Us Together Co. who works to advance human harmony across various professional industries by creating inclusive strategies and equitable outcomes. This blog is estimated to take 3 minutes to read.

Since inclusive language develops and changes over time, grant writers should pay close attention to the terminology that is widely used in their particular field or industry. Regardless of what nonprofit industry a grant writer works within, an inference can be made that reviewing a grant maker’s theory of change, impact narrative, or annual report can provide insight into the organization’s views of their stakeholders based upon the preferred language choice and term usage employed throughout any grant application and/or funding request.

If the composition of a funding request induces any level of apprehension or worry, practice centering the stakeholders in your respective work and appeal more effectively to donors and funders alike by using the below tips.

First up, you guessed it: less saviorism, more support. Test your reason for allying. In the case of grant writing, examine the reason your organization is conducting the work it is conducting. Is it to solve an issue it was asked to solve? Is it in relationship with other stakeholders producing similar work? The reason deduced should scream, “We are dedicated to supporting” versus “We are dedicated to saving.” The language used to capture this work should prioritize support as opposed to saviorism or any iteration of it.

Additionally, the grant writer should examine the privileges or power advantages that exist between them and in relation to the clients, participants, or other stakeholders they serve. For example, making a list of privileges prior to responding to an application or applying for funding, could make clear what power-advantages are present. If the grant writer is employed and composing an argument for funding on behalf of job-seekers, the term “job-seeker” might prove a more appropriate term than “the unemployed” or “jobless people.” Obliviousness often increases the risk of using unintentional language which could prove exclusive, offensive, and/or derogatory. Ultimately, the practice of privilege identification helps one realize conditions and factors they may not be aware of or respectful to initially. Privilege identification is a realization process that ensures the impact-message is not lost in an application response.

Lastly, build genuine and authentic relationships. Yes, you. The grant writer. Building genuine and authentic relationships helps ensure that as a grant writer, you are in community with the stakeholders associated with your organization. These stakeholders often include those who: (1) fund the services/programs, (2) perform the services/programs, and (3) receive the services/programs. Genuine relationships increase the probability of the very subjects you write about critiquing any offensive language you may use or revealing the ways in which they prefer to be referred to. Yes, proximity can help you take the guessing out of terminology and word choice.

Remember, philanthropy in and of itself is a form of allyship. Therefore, by default, grant writers are a type of ally. However, how you ally is created by design, not default. Design intentionally, authentically, and aware of your privileges. Wishing well on you this grant-cycle!