DEIB
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy for a Nonprofit Organization
Industry
Nonprofit
Company Size
201-500 Employees
The Results
Higher engagement and DEI scores, a structured DEI council, external recognition, and a stronger, action-oriented DEI strategy.
Client Background
The client is a nonprofit organization focused on wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement. With a large workforce and multiple cultural and educational facilities, the organization has navigated recent financial pressures while maintaining its commitment to accessibility, community impact, and environmental stewardship. Leadership transitions and a renewed focus on internal culture have created momentum for advancing DEI initiatives.
Challenges
Prior to engaging with livingHR, the organization encountered several obstacles in building an effective and sustainable DEI framework:
- Limited visibility and impact of existing DEI initiatives, as surfaced in employee engagement survey feedback.
- A reactive DEI council that was more focused on raising concerns than executing change through strategy, structure, and accountability.
- Lack of a shared understanding of what DEI should look like in the organization, leaving employees uncertain about how to contribute.
- Absence of a defined strategy, structure, and measures of success, leading to fragmented efforts with little long-term traction.
These challenges underscored the need for an external partner to co-create a clear and intentional DEI strategy that could drive meaningful change and unify the organization’s approach.
Success Metrics
- Improved DEI and engagement scores: In the follow-up employee engagement survey, the client saw measurable increases in both overall engagement and DEI-related sentiment, reflecting improved trust, clarity, and visibility of DEI efforts.
- Established structure and accountability: With livingHR’s guidance, the DEI council was restructured into focused working teams with defined goals, initiatives, and alignment to broader organizational objectives—shifting from a reactive to a proactive, business-integrated model.
- Positive third-party recognition: Client received commendation during its AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) accreditation process for its meaningful and visible commitment to DEI, signaling strong alignment between internal culture and mission.
- Community and industry impact: The organization was honored with the prestigious Corporate Morial Award, recognizing its efforts to extend DEI impact beyond its walls and into the broader community and economic ecosystem.
- Strengthened internal and external DEI strategy: Through livingHR’s partnership, the client developed a more intentional, action-oriented DEI strategy that bridges internal culture with external reputation and community engagement.
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