Justice and Equity Commitment

We believe in a more equitable, inclusive, and just future, where diversity flourishes.

A commitment to justice and equity is at the core of our vision.  

In all of our efforts, we recognize that injustices rooted in history still harm people today and make it so that all people don’t have the same opportunities to realize the dreams they have for themselves and their families. 

To sustain progress on the issues we support, we focus on transforming systems so they work for everyone—by making institutions, structures, policies, and practices that affect people’s lives more inclusive and fair.  

In our grantmaking, we have a dedicated focus on racial equity in the U.S. and on gender equity globally.  

Living our commitment

Centering justice and equity

At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to justice and equity. In our grantmaking, we have a dedicated focus on racial equity in the U.S. and on gender equity globally. Internally, we are actively identifying ways to enhance the diversity of our staff and Board of Trustees and to implement more inclusive and equitable practices.

Our Framework

Advancing racial justice in the U.S. 

In 2020 we established a $100 million justice and equity fund as part of our commitment to advance racial justice by addressing the root causes of inequities. We continue to evolve our strategy for racial justice grantmaking in the U.S., informed by insights and learnings from our partners and the communities we work alongside. 

About Our Racial Justice Initiative 

Celebrating our diversity

The Foundation is committed to fostering a healthy, supportive work environment for all Foundation employees. As a global organization, we value diverse staff and Board of Trustee backgrounds and experiences because it enhances overall effectiveness.  

Our Staff and Trustee Diversity Data

Who we fund

We partner with Candid to collect and share grantee demographic data to deepen our understanding of who we fund and how their experiences can inform our grantmaking practices.   

Our Grantee Demographic Data

Defining our commitment

Packard Foundation staff and trustees co-created definitions for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Belonging for a shared understanding. 

Diversity

We celebrate diversity. Diversity is the representation of all our identities and differences, collectively and as individuals. We recognize that all forms of diversity, particularly those that have been historically marginalized or under-represented, are important for increasing overall effectiveness and fulfilling our values. We seek to embody diversity on our teams, in the work we do, and in how we carry out that work.

Inclusion

We strive for inclusion. Inclusion is an active practice of inviting diverse perspectives and voices by intentionally creating space, acknowledging unequal power in relationships, and making appropriate accommodations for people to meaningfully participate. We seek to incorporate diverse voices, opinions, and expertise into discussion and decision-making processes.

Belonging

We endeavor to create a culture of belonging. To belong means that people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and identities feel accepted and celebrated for who they are and feel comfortable expressing their authentic selves. We seek to foster an environment where authenticity strengthens our collective impact.

Equity

We champion equity. Equity is the equality of outcomes across different identities achieved through opportunity and access to information, resources, systems, and power, which yields a world where all members of society can reach their full potential. We seek to understand complex historical and social dynamics and take actions that recognize and account for injustice.

Justice

We pursue justice. Justice is fair and equitable access to power and ensuring systems are effective, accountable, and inclusive at all levels. It requires constant practice and ongoing commitment. We seek to recognize the history and lived experiences people carry with them and to address the impact of systemic historical injustices.