How can nonprofits address DEI in grant proposals amid recent policy shifts under the Trump administration?

The Trump administration’s recent rollback of federal DEI programs is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to advancing equity in this political climate. Federal agencies have been instructed to terminate DEI initiatives, and private sectors are being encouraged to follow suit. These changes don’t just signal a shift in priorities - they demand a recalibration of how nonprofits advocate for and sustain their DEI efforts.

In this environment, nonprofits must lead with clarity, resolve, and strategy. Here are three essential approaches:

1. Center Impact Over Ideology:

The current climate makes it more critical than ever to tie DEI initiatives to tangible outcomes. While equity remains a moral imperative, funders under new priorities will respond to measurable results. Highlight how your DEI work reduces disparities, strengthens community health, or improves economic opportunity. Use real-world data and examples to show how equity-based solutions drive meaningful, long-lasting change.

For example, if your program focuses on equitable housing access, don’t just discuss systemic racism - show how your intervention increased homeownership rates in underserved communities or improved housing security for marginalized families.

2. Speak the Language of Resilience and Innovation:

Recent federal policies are undermining DEI efforts by framing them as divisive. To counter this narrative, present equity as a practical, forward-thinking strategy. Emphasize that inclusive practices foster innovation, resilience, and stability - values that resonate across political divides.

For instance, if you’re writing about workforce development, explain how hiring and promoting diverse talent enhances creativity and problem-solving. Frame your work as a driver of economic growth and stability, rather than solely a response to injustice.

3. Build Coalitions and Share the Load:

In a politically challenging environment, collaboration is a force multiplier. Partnering with other organizations allows you to amplify your message, share resources, and build a stronger case for DEI in grant applications. Coalitions also show funders that your work has broad support and is rooted in collective action.

If you’re advocating for DEI in education, for example, align with partners who can provide complementary expertise - like community organizations addressing digital equity or advocacy groups pushing for policy reform. Together, you present a unified front that funders are more likely to trust and invest in.

The Path Forward

While recent policy shifts may feel like a setback, they also highlight the importance of staying steadfast in the fight for equity. By focusing on impact, framing DEI as a tool for resilience, and building collaborative networks, nonprofits can continue to make the case for inclusion - even in a climate that may not prioritize it.

Written by Larry Blake Harvey, Principal Consultant at Harvey & Smith Impact, where he partners with nonprofits and local governments to craft compelling narratives and strategies that turn ambitious visions into real-world impact.