DEI Pledge

Every day, we set out to grow champions in the field of grantsmanship, while keeping our mission and values rooted in embracing individual differences and providing a space that is welcoming to all.

Our Journey and Commitment to Intentional Diversity and Inclusion

The Grant Professional Certification Institute (GPCI) believes in diversity and values the benefits that diversity can bring to the field of grantsmanship and its Board of Directors (the “Board”).  Diversity promotes the inclusion of different perspectives and ideas, mitigates against groupthink and ensures the Organization has the opportunity to benefit from all available talent.  The promotion of a diverse Board makes prudent business sense and makes for better governance.

Diversity is valuing, appreciating, and effectively utilizing the talents of people with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, ethnicities and perspectives.

Inclusion is how we live our commitment to fairness and diversity.  It shapes how we honor and appreciate the perspectives, abilities and identities of our colleagues, how we listen to, engage and respond to our customers; and how we connect to and appreciate each other and those we serve.

We at GPCI are committed to a culture of diversity, inclusion, equity and access.   Our commitment to inclusion does not mean that we must agree on everything nor does it mean that those who do not agree cannot be a part of our community.  What our commitment does mean is:  our differences require we be more inclusive, respectful of each other, and take seriously the responsibility that we have – both legally and ethically – to honor each other’s rights to be different.

Individuals have many dimensions which include age, appearance, beliefs, education, ethnic origin, gender, ideas, job classification, personality, physical ability, political views, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation and more.  We are committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values each individual.

Diversity is a way of life, not just a one-time initiative.  It is an ongoing responsibility with the highest priority.  To that end, we strive to attract, recruit, develop and retain volunteers and grant professionals throughout the profession who support our commitment.

By developing our skills to manage diversity, we will be able to better serve our customers and communities by exposure to the wider range of ideas and perspectives that can be found only in an organization where every individual is valued.