Freiburg in focus: Start innovative studies for diversity and inclusion!

Freiburg in focus: Start innovative studies for diversity and inclusion!

The nonprofit sector is the focus of interdisciplinary research that uses both quantitative and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights. Research at the University of Freiburg lays the foundation for expanding this area with newly developed programs that particularly affect German and German-speaking countries. As the need for an in-depth analysis of the nonprofit landscape grows, the university is in close contact with various institutions in order to effectively address current topics such as nonprofit governance and recruiting volunteers.

One of the first initiatives launched as part of this research effort concerns a comprehensive study of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. This project will interview volunteers and examine event management. Another aspect of this research is the collaboration with colleagues from Freiburg as well as the Center for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) at the University of Basel and the volunteer management of the Canton of Basel-Stadt.

Focus on racial equality

There is currently particular focus on the issue of racial equality, which is highlighted by an ongoing project in community foundations in the USA. This research project requires careful communication via a special Freiburg Zoom room, as exchange via email is problematic due to the Freedom of Information Act. A messenger service is used to maintain confidentiality.

In order to deal with current developments, Freiburg is also forced to concentrate on existing data. The focus on diversity and inclusion in recent years has become more important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a study conducted by the Center for Equal Opportunity in Washington D.C. The pandemic has reinforced existing inequalities and highlighted the need for a conscious and structured approach to racial equity in organizations. This is a challenge that many institutions must face.

The Center's chairwoman, Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, brings into play the need for a culture of excellence to prevent comfortable alliances and superficial politics from hindering the design of integration processes. This includes developing an equity lens that helps organizations make decision-making more inclusive.

Diversity and Inclusion Strategies

Additionally, the Center has launched a free leadership course for Black professionals that promotes the transition from discussion to concrete action. A glossary of terms related to structural racism and racial equality was also created to provide clarity in the discussions. The publication “AWAKE TO WOKE TO WORK” also provides a comprehensive guide to creating a culture of racial equity in organizations and demonstrates the importance of integrating diversity, equity and inclusion into nonprofit organizations' charters.

The initiative to focus on diversity and inclusion is supported by the demand that political decision-makers should create framework conditions that expand funding opportunities for such measures. There is a great need for action: funding guidelines must set diversity and inclusion as mandatory criteria for support.

At a time when the pressure for change is growing, the collected research results offer numerous tools to concretely implement diversity and inclusion. It should be noted that a solid scientific approach to these topics is necessary to achieve sustainable progress.

In summary, the ambitious research project at the University of Freiburg plays an important role in examining the challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. This will not only strengthen the evidence base for reform, but also actively address the racial equity gap.