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Belonging: The Heartbeat of DEI at Fundraising Sol

Writer's picture: Frances RoenFrances Roen

At Fundraising Sol, belonging isn’t just a value—it’s the foundation of how we work, connect, and grow. We often hear the term DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in professional spaces, but what does it truly mean beyond checkboxes and buzzwords? For us, DEI isn’t a standalone initiative; it's interwoven into the fabric of belonging.

Belonging means that no matter what makes you uniquely you—your background, experiences, identity, or perspectives—you are seen, heard, and valued. It's not about simply making space; it's about ensuring that space is welcoming, affirming, and empowering. We celebrate the richness that comes from diverse voices and believe that every individual holds inherent worth and uniqueness.

While diversity invites people to the table, and inclusion ensures everyone has a seat, belonging makes sure every voice is not only present, but fully heard and appreciated. It’s the difference between being included in a conversation and feeling like your contributions genuinely matter.

So, what is DEI really? It's not a specific set of policies or a one-size-fits-all checklist. There are countless ways DEI can be implemented within an organization:

  • Diversity measures might include working with small businesses over large corporations or suppliers, broadening perspectives, and fostering economic inclusion.

  • Equity measures can involve ensuring facilities are accessible to wheelchair users, those with vision impairments, or individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, promoting fairness in access and opportunity.

  • Inclusion measures could be as simple as inviting direct service employees to management meetings, ensuring diverse perspectives shape decisions.

It's as much about creating work environments where parental leave exists and flexible work arrangements are supported as it is about pay equity and transparency. DEI shows up in everyday decisions, from policies to practices, shaping cultures where everyone feels valued.

At Fundraising Sol, we strive to create fundraising practices and workplace environments where belonging thrives. This means:

  • Valuing Inherent Worth: Recognizing that every person brings unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives that enrich our work and our impact.

  • Amplifying Voices: Actively listening and creating opportunities for all voices to shape decisions and solutions.

  • Empowering Full Participation: Encouraging team members and clients to show up authentically and contribute their whole selves.

When belonging is at the core, DEI isn’t just an obligation—it's a lived experience. By embodying this value, we set the stage not just for our team but for every organization and community we serve. Because when people feel they truly belong, they don’t just participate—they thrive.


 


A white woman with blonde hair smiles at the camera, wearing a blue blazer and white dress shirt



Frances Roen is a Georgia girl at heart, and has been graciously adopted by beautiful, snowy Minnesota. She is a forty-something daughter, friend, mom, wife, and entrepreneur, and is always on the look-out for a perfectly

fried piece of chicken.


Frances is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with nearly 20 years of experience fundraising and has raised over $200M for nonprofits. She has held fundraising positions at The Bakken Museum, Augustana Care Corporation, and YouthLink and consulted with dozens of nonprofit clients across the globe. In these roles, she has been responsible for all aspects of fundraising including comprehensive campaigns, major and planned gifts, annual funds, events, communications, corporate partnerships, and volunteers.

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