Statement on Inclusion

Building a Community Where Everyone Belongs

The County Foundation is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and can thrive. We embed equity, diversity, and inclusion in all we do - from our operations and governance to our funding and partnerships.

Inclusion is not only our responsibility - it’s how we create lasting impact together.

Inclusion in Action

At The County Foundation (TCF), we are committed to fostering inclusion, equity, and accessibility across all aspects of our work. Here are some of the ways we put these values into practice:

Transparent and Accessible Communication
TCF strives to ensure that all communications and processes are clear, open, and accessible to diverse audiences.

Seeking Diverse Perspectives
We actively engage a wide range of voices and lived experiences to inform our work and decision-making.

Accessibility Guidelines
In 2021, the Board approved TCF’s Accessibility Guidelines, which outline standards in five key areas: policies, training, client services, employment practices, and accessible communications.

Accessible Grant Processes
We design our grant processes with accessibility in mind, offering information and applications in multiple formats to accommodate diverse needs.

Inclusive Grant Adjudication
TCF grant adjudication committees are formed with diversity, equity, and inclusion in mind. Considerations include geographic representation, subject-matter expertise, community knowledge, professional backgrounds, lived experiences, and alignment to grant program priorities.

Bias Awareness in Adjudication
Grant adjudication participants are given opportunities to reflect on and discuss potential biases or concerns while reviewing applications and prior to adjudication.

Embedding Inclusion in Funding Documents
TCF’s Inclusion Statement is integrated throughout our funding materials to reinforce our values at every stage of the grant process.

Vital Signs and Belonging
Inclusion and belonging are core themes of our Vital Signs work, shaping how we understand and support the well-being of our community.

Living Wage Employer
The County Foundation is a certified Living Wage employer, reflecting our commitment to economic inclusion and fairness.

Continual Learning
TCF Board and staff are committed to ongoing learning about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), striving to reflect these principles in both knowledge and action.

Policies

- Statement on Inclusion

- Branding Guidelines

- Media Consent Form

- Gift Acceptance Policy

Land Acknowledgement