DEI training and grant funding guide for nonprofits

That means building teams that reflect the communities they serve and giving those teams the tools to grow together. That’s where DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion, comes in. It’s not just a trend. It’s the groundwork for lasting impact.

More and more, donors, funders, and community members want to see that nonprofits are not only talking about equity but actually putting it into action. The good news? There are practical ways to get started, and plenty of support out there if you know where to look.

In this guide, we’re breaking down the types of DEI training your nonprofit can use, how to find and apply for DEI-focused grants, and what it really takes to build a more inclusive organization from the inside out. Whether you're starting from scratch or strengthening what you’ve already built, this article is for you.

Harness helps nonprofits like yours turn goals into action. From fundraising strategy to tools that make donor relationships stronger, we’re here to help. Want to take the next step? Visit goharness.com to get started.

Why diversity, equity, and inclusion training matters for nonprofit organizations

If you're working at a nonprofit, chances are you care deeply about the people you serve. But caring isn’t always enough. DEI training helps turn good intentions into real actions. It gives your team the language, tools, and perspective to create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected, both inside your organization and out in the community.

DEI training matters because it helps staff and board members better understand the different backgrounds, lived experiences, and barriers that people face. That awareness leads to better decisions, better services, and stronger relationships. It’s about creating a culture where fairness and belonging are part of everything you do.

We’ve seen that when nonprofits prioritize equity and inclusion, they don’t just improve their internal culture, they also build more trust with the communities they support. And that trust makes fundraising easier, partnerships stronger, and impact deeper.

Types of DEI training for nonprofits

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to DEI training. Every nonprofit is different, and your approach should match your team’s needs, your community, and where you are on your DEI journey. Below are a few common types of training we’ve seen work well across organizations of all sizes.

Awareness and unconscious bias training

This is often the starting point. Awareness training helps people recognize how their own experiences shape the way they see the world, and how that affects their decisions. Unconscious bias training goes deeper, helping teams notice hidden patterns that may be unfair or exclusive, even when no one means harm. These trainings build self-awareness and open the door to honest conversations.

Anti-oppression and inclusive management training

This type of training digs into systems of power, who has it, who doesn’t, and how that impacts daily work. It’s especially helpful for leadership and managers. Inclusive management training helps leaders build teams where everyone feels valued, not just included on paper but truly empowered to contribute.

Community engagement and cultural competency training

Your team doesn’t just serve a community, they’re part of it. This training helps staff understand the cultural values, traditions, and needs of the people they work with. It can improve outreach, service delivery, and overall connection with your audience. For nonprofits focused on public health or social services, cultural competency is key.

Facilitated conversations and common ground building

Sometimes what a team needs most is space to talk. These trainings are guided sessions that help teams explore hard topics in a safe way. They can be useful when your organization is going through change, facing tension, or simply trying to build a deeper sense of trust.

How to implement DEI training across your nonprofit

Rolling out DEI training doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Like any other part of your mission, it just takes a thoughtful plan and some steady steps. The goal isn’t to check a box, it’s to build a culture that lasts.

Start by taking a good look at where your organization stands today. Talk to your staff, volunteers, and board members. Ask what’s working and what feels off. This doesn’t need to be a fancy survey. Even a few honest conversations can shine a light on where to focus first.

Next, set clear goals. Maybe your team needs help understanding unconscious bias. Maybe your board wants guidance on inclusive leadership. Choose training that fits those needs, not just what’s trendy.

It also helps to name someone, or a small group, who can lead the process. This could be a staff member, a committee, or even an outside partner. Giving people ownership keeps the work moving and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.

And don’t try to squeeze it all into one big training day. Spread sessions out. Give people time to reflect, ask questions, and grow. DEI isn’t a one-time workshop, it’s something you build into the rhythm of your work.

Lastly, make space for feedback. What did your team take away? What’s still unclear? The answers will help shape the next step in the journey.

DEI grants for nonprofits: what you need to know

Doing the work is one thing. Paying for it is another. The good news? There are more DEI-focused grants out there than you might think. Funders are looking to support nonprofits that are building more inclusive communities, strengthening internal culture, and addressing equity through their programs.

A DEI grant can cover all kinds of work, staff training, program design, research, outreach, and even technology upgrades. Some grants are tied to specific areas like health equity, education, or racial justice. Others are broader and simply want to see that your organization is serious about making change.

These grants aren’t just about checking a DEI box to win funding. The most successful applications show how equity and inclusion are woven into the heart of your work. Funders want to know your team is thinking deeply, learning, and leading with intention.

And remember: DEI grants aren’t just for big organizations. Many funders are looking for grassroots efforts and smaller nonprofits that are closely connected to the communities they serve. If that sounds like you, you’ve already got a strong story to tell.

Types of grants to support DEI-focused nonprofit programs

Finding the right kind of grant can make a big difference, not just in what you can fund, but in how far your DEI efforts can reach. There’s a wide range of grant types out there, each with their own focus. Knowing where to look and what each funder values can help you save time and apply with more confidence.

Foundation grants and philanthropic funding

These are some of the most common sources for DEI support. Foundations like the Ford Foundation or the Gates Foundation often fund programs tied to equity, public health, education, and social justice. They tend to look for clear goals, community involvement, and measurable results. If your work connects directly to a cause they care about, this is a great place to start.

Government and public sector funding

Local, state, and federal agencies also offer grants focused on inclusion, especially in areas like health equity, education access, and workforce development. These grants may be more technical and require detailed reporting, but they can also offer larger, longer-term support.

Corporate and social impact grants

Many companies are now investing in social impact through their corporate giving programs. These grants often support community-based DEI efforts, especially those tied to youth, economic mobility, or racial justice. They may also come with other benefits, like visibility, volunteers, or in-kind support.

Each of these grant types comes with different requirements, timelines, and expectations. What they all have in common: they want to fund work that’s thoughtful, community-centered, and committed to lasting change.

Building a strong DEI grant application

A good DEI grant application doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be clear, honest, and grounded in your real work. Funders want to support nonprofits that know their community, have a plan, and are ready to grow. Here’s how to put that into writing.

Start with the “why.” What’s the need your organization is addressing? Be specific. Share what you’ve seen, heard, or learned from the people you serve. That lived experience is powerful, and it sets the stage for everything else.

Then, explain the “how.” What will the grant help you do? Maybe it’s launching a training series for staff and board members. Maybe it’s building new programs around health equity or cultural outreach. Whatever it is, walk the reader through it in plain language. No buzzwords, just real talk.

Be clear about outcomes. Funders want to know how you’ll measure success. That doesn’t always mean big numbers. Sometimes success looks like deeper engagement, stronger partnerships, or better community feedback. Share how you’ll track what’s working and what needs adjusting.

And don’t forget your team. Call out who’s leading the work and why they’re the right people for it. This is especially important in DEI work, where trust, experience, and connection to community really matter.

Finally, keep it simple. Avoid long paragraphs or fancy terms. Just tell your story, make your case, and show why you’re ready for this opportunity.

How technology can support your DEI and fundraising strategy

Doing DEI work and raising money for it shouldn’t pull your team in two different directions. The right technology can help you do both, without burning out your staff or losing sight of your mission.

For example, a fundraising platform like Harness helps you engage donors in ways that feel personal and intentional. You can track donor data, send custom messages, and build recurring donation programs, all while making sure your communications reflect the values of equity and inclusion. That means your outreach isn’t just efficient, it’s also more thoughtful and community-centered.

Tech can also support DEI behind the scenes. Tools that centralize donor information, automate thank-you messages, and simplify reporting can save your team time and reduce human error. That gives you more space to focus on strategy, partnerships, and the deeper parts of the work.

And when it comes to grants, platforms that track deadlines, store past applications, or manage reporting requirements can keep things organized and help your team move faster. For small nonprofits with limited capacity, that kind of support can be a game changer.

At the end of the day, technology should make your work easier, not more complicated. When it's done right, it helps your team stay mission-focused, donor-aware, and fully aligned with your DEI goals.

Measuring the impact of your DEI programs

DEI work is meaningful, but to grow it, you need to show it’s working. Measuring impact helps you understand what’s actually changing, where you’re making progress, and where you still have room to grow. It’s not about chasing perfect numbers, it’s about learning, improving, and showing funders that you’re serious about accountability.

Start small. You don’t need fancy software or a research team. Begin by tracking what you can: Who’s attending your trainings? Are staff and board members more confident talking about equity? Are your programs reaching more people from diverse backgrounds?

Surveys can be a great tool. After a training, ask what people learned, how they felt, and what they want more of. Over time, you’ll see patterns. That feedback helps you adjust your approach and keep things relevant.

You can also look at organizational changes. Maybe your hiring process is more inclusive now. Maybe you’re building new community partnerships. These kinds of shifts show that DEI isn’t just a workshop, it’s becoming part of how your nonprofit runs.

Sharing your impact matters too. Funders and partners want to see the story behind the numbers. Use short reports, stories, or even simple updates in your newsletter. It shows transparency, and it helps others learn from what you’re doing.

Building DEI into the work that matters

DEI isn’t just a project, it’s a practice. It shows up in how you lead, how you serve, and how you show up for your community. Whether you’re just starting out or refining what you’ve already built, investing in DEI training and funding is one of the smartest, most meaningful things your nonprofit can do.

And you don’t have to do it alone. The resources, grants, and tools are out there. With the right support, you can take small steps that lead to big, lasting change, for your team, your community, and the people counting on you.

At Harness, we help nonprofits grow stronger from the inside out. From donor tools to expert guidance, we’re here to make your mission easier to carry forward. Explore how we can support your DEI journey at goharness.com.