community equity

At Dogwood, we are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and these values inform our purpose, strategic priorities and decisions. For us, equity exists when all people have unconstrained opportunities to live lives of dignity and wellbeing, regardless of place, race, health, wealth, age, identity or ability. As part of our commitment to equity, we seek to advance racial equity in all aspects of our organization, from our culture to our interactions with partners and our grantmaking decisions.

Black, indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) have played key roles in the history of Western North Carolina. Systems and policies that have benefited many in our society have simultaneously prevented BIPOC individuals and communities from sharing in the opportunity and prosperity that our region can provide.

These circumstances have pervaded every part of WNC life for centuries, and we can start to address them in ways that create permanent, positive change as part of our broader commitment to equity.