For more than 15 years, Diversity & Inclusion Professionals Inc. has been Rhode Island’s statewide anchor for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. We’ve been the trusted partner creating safe, affirming and transformative spaces across sectors, helping organizations lead inclusively, shaping policy and building a culture where every individual feels seen and valued.
But today, that legacy is in jeopardy.
For over a decade, DAIP stood strong with the support of more than 30 annual sponsors and partners. Together, we fueled programs that trained leaders, advanced equity strategies and created spaces for honest dialogue. That collective commitment made Rhode Island a model for inclusive leadership.
Now, we face a stark reality: our support base has dropped from over 30 to fewer than 10. This is not just a funding gap – it is a warning sign. When an organization devoted to equity and belonging moves from being a statewide leader to the brink of hardship, it signals something deeper: the systems around us are deprioritizing the very values we’ve fought to uphold.
This is more than a budget issue – it’s about the future of equity. We understand that language evolves. Terms like “diversity,” “equity” and “inclusion” may shift over time. But the charge cannot diminish. Diversity is not going away. Inclusion is not optional. And equity? Equity is the only hope we have for a stronger, fairer future for generations to come.
This work isn’t just heart work, it’s hard work. It requires dismantling barriers, confronting uncomfortable truths and building systems that serve everyone. That kind of transformation doesn’t happen without resources. It takes funding to train leaders, develop programs and measure impact. Without financial support, even the most passionate advocacy stalls.
Those with positional power and privilege – leaders, decision-makers, influencers – can change this trajectory. Financial support is one of the most tangible ways to leverage that influence. This is not charity; it is an investment in Rhode Island’s future.
When organizations pull back funding for equity work, the consequences ripple far beyond one nonprofit. It weakens our collective ability to create workplaces and communities where everyone belongs. It undermines progress we’ve fought for over decades. And it sends a dangerous message: that equity is negotiable.
We are asking you – our community, our partners, our advocates – to act now:
• Fund this work. Commit to sponsorship or make a direct contribution. Every dollar sustains programs that drive systemic change.
• Connect us. Open doors to networks and opportunities that strengthen our reach.
• Speak up. Use your influence to champion equity in every space you occupy.
Your action today will determine whether Rhode Island continues to have a cross-sector hub for inclusive leadership, data-informed equity strategies, and spaces where every individual feels safe and valued.
DAIP has carried out this mission for more than 15 years. With your help, we can carry it forward for 15 more. Without it, we risk losing not just an organization – but a movement and a community where Rhode Islanders can thrive.
(Kevin Matta is board president for Providence-based Diversity & Inclusion Professionals Inc. He’s also senior director of people and culture for United Way of Rhode Island Inc.)
