Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

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At the Paul Brown Legacy Foundation, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are not side initiatives—they are the foundation of everything we do. We believe that honoring Paul Brown’s legacy means standing with those who have been historically marginalized, underfunded, and excluded from opportunity.

Our commitment to DEI flows from our core values of love, learning, and legacy—and our faith in the dignity and worth of every human being.

Our Belief

We believe that:

• Diversity strengthens our collective wisdom.
• Equity ensures everyone has what they need to thrive.
• Inclusion creates a table where all voices are heard—and valued.

As a Black family-led foundation rooted in the South, we are deeply aware of the historical inequities that have shaped our communities. We strive to be part of the solution by advancing justice through the way we fund, partner, and lead.

What DEI Looks Like in Our Work

🔹 In Our Grantmaking

• We prioritize organizations led by and serving Black, Brown, Indigenous, and rural communities, especially those in the Southeastern U.S.
• We invest in faith-based and grassroots organizations that may not traditionally have access to large-scale philanthropic support.
• We use trust-based philanthropy practices to reduce unnecessary barriers and promote relationship-centered giving.

🔹 In Our Leadership

• Our board and leadership team reflect the lived experiences of the communities we serve.
• We are intentional about mentoring and uplifting diverse leaders in nonprofit, faith, and educational spaces.
• We continually examine our internal practices to ensure equity in decision-making and accountability to our values.

🔹 In Our Culture

• We create a space of belonging—where partners, grantees, and staff feel respected, seen, and supported.
• We welcome intergenerational wisdom, diverse faith traditions, and multiple forms of expertise—including lived experience.
• We center relationship over transaction, knowing real change grows through trust, time, and shared vision.

Our DEI Commitments

We are committed to:

• Listening deeply and learning continuously
• Funding with intentionality and humility
• Sharing power and centering community voice
• Challenging systemic inequities through action and investment
• Creating access and opportunity where it’s been denied

Why This Matters

Paul Brown believed in lifting others up—not just with words, but with action. He taught us that everyone, no matter their background or circumstance, deserves a seat at the table. This Foundation exists to carry that belief forward by breaking cycles of exclusion and building pathways of promise.

Our DEI commitment is not a checklist—it’s a reflection of our faith, our family, and our future.