Giving Thought

In episode 66, we talk to Fozia Irfan- CEO of the Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation (and trustee of the Association of Charitable Foundations). We discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in the foundation and charity world; the challenges of power dynamics in philanthropy and the role of place. Including:   Diversity, Equity & Inclusion What is the DEI Coalition? What is the difference between equality and equity, and what does this mean for funders and charities? Does the philanthropy/charity world in the UK have a diversity problem? What are the main existing barriers to greater diversity within the sector workforce, and how can we overcome them? Are funders more effective when they reflect more closely the people and communities they serve? In what ways can they achieve this?   Power & Participation What are we to make of criticisms that since philanthropy is to some extent a product of structural inequality, it can never truly be part of the solution? Is philanthropy paternalistic,