The American Red Cross is pleased to announce our participation in a new community of practice with other nonprofit organizations focused on advancing racial equity. Over the next six months, leaders from across the organization will work with The Bridgespan Group to strengthen our approach to advancing racial equity both internally and in our external work. The Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice, led by The Bridgespan Group, is funded by the Walmart Foundation.
“As a humanitarian organization whose mission embodies compassion and comfort, the Red Cross is committed to strengthening our ability to provide culturally appropriate support to diverse communities,” said Gail J. McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “We are grateful for this opportunity to work with the Walmart Foundation, Bridgespan, and fellow nonprofit leaders on an initiative that is critical in the face of a climate crisis that disrupts lives across the country.”
The Red Cross is participating in the cohort alongside nine organizations: Center for the Future of Arizona, Education Design Lab, Goodwill Industries International, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), Team Rubicon, The National FFA Organization , The Recycling Partnership, Winrock International and World Wildlife Fund.
The Walmart Foundation is providing philanthropic funding to the Red Cross. The funding will assist in supporting the Red Cross as we collaborate with others to share best practices and learnings on our work to prioritize equity.
“We can make a greater impact when we come together to support each other’s journeys to advance racial equity,” said Kirstie Sims, Senior Director, Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity. “We heard from many nonprofit organizations we work with, at varying sizes and points in their racial equity journey, that they wanted to learn and share best practices, knowledge and challenges with others. The Bridgespan Group’s leadership of the Advancing Racial Equity Community of Practice provides that space.”
About The Bridgespan Group:
The Bridgespan Group (www.bridgespan.org) is a global nonprofit that collaborates with social change organizations, philanthropists, and impact investors to make the world more equitable and just. Bridgespan’s services include strategy consulting and advising, sourcing and diligence, and leadership team support. We take what we learn from this work and build on it with original research, identifying best practices and innovative ideas to share with the social sector. We work from locations in Boston, Johannesburg, Mumbai, New York, San Francisco, and Singapore.
About Philanthropy at Walmart:
Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By leaning in where our business has unique strengths, the Walmart Foundation works to tackle key social issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 27 countries, employing more than 2 million associates and doing business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs that work to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, address hunger and make healthier, more sustainably-grown food a reality, and build strong communities where Walmart operates.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.