The greater Kalamazoo area draws its spirit, vitality and character from the increasingly diverse mix of people who live and work in our community. The Kalamazoo Community Foundation recognizes that the future strength of this community rests firmly on its commitment to value, respect and embrace the richness of a diverse citizenry.

It is in this spirit that we announce to you that the Kalamazoo Community Foundation has revised its Unrestricted Grant Agreement Form to include an Inclusiveness Statement, which has evolved from the Community Foundation's comprehensive Diversity Policy. Through this statement, nonprofit organizations awarded grants will be asked to acknowledge their inclusiveness policies and/or practices as a condition of accepting an unrestricted grant award from the Community Foundation.

The Community Foundation announced its Diversity Policy in May 2000 and since then has taken a leadership position in cultivating opportunities that open positive dialogue and understanding among all people. The Community Foundation wants to do its part to ensure that no person is excluded from services, employment or volunteer participation because of ethnicity, race, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic circumstance, physical and/or mental abilities/characteristics, philosophy/religion, or any other discriminatory reason.

Since its beginning, the Community Foundation has held that the dignity of each person is paramount—and that dignity is something to be protected. This position has been a guiding principle in all of our work.