Ultimate Fairness: Recognizing and Removing Hidden Biases in Philanthropic Practices

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Ultimate Fairness is part of NCG's 2012 Diversity in Philanthropy series. Learn more >>

Hidden biases are perceptions, preferences, stereotyping of individuals or groups that often occur at the subconscious level (hence why in most cases they're hidden). Most importantly they may adversely impact our judgment and interactions with others and result in unfair behaviors. Hidden barriers ultimately result from these biases and from the cumulative effect of unfair behaviors. As a result, the hidden barriers become established and systemic in organizations and can distort the playing field by conferring advantage for some and disadvantage
for others.

In our efforts to be better grantmakers and support social impact movements in Bay Area communities and beyond, we must understand how such  biases function and are present in everyday decision-making—including grantmaking as well.

Come Join Us To

• Hear an overview of hidden bias research, including accessible scholarship and abatement practices germane to education and other social equity work.
• Participate in hands-on experiential learning about subtle preferences
• Discuss how addressing hidden biases can create better grantmaking practices and program outcomes.

In 2011, the Level Playing Field Institute and the Mitchell Kapor Foundation sponsored the first Smashing Bias Research Prize, highlighting the outstanding practical research illuminating hidden biases, selecting five winning papers from university-based researchers on topics ranging from bias in performance reviews to STEM education to standardized tests. Prize recipients presented their innovative research findings to a select group of academics, practitioners, and funders, aiming to prompt new insight into the impact of bias in both workplace and educational contexts.

The Institute also released a major report, The Tilted Playing Field: Hidden Bias in Information Technology Workplaces, in September 2011. This study reports on data collected from a sample of IT engineers and managers in large companies and small startups nationwide, revealing that the perception of meritocratic workplaces is undermined by unequal practices, opportunities, and outcomes for employees depending on their race and gender.

The Institute and the Kapor Foundation hope to expand the 2012 Smashing Bias Prize and convening with additional philanthropic partners.

Presenters

Bios forthcoming

Cedric Brown, Mitchell Kapor Foundation
Freada Kapor Klein, Ph.D, Mitchell Kapor Foundation
Allison Scott, Ph.D., Level Playing Field Institute

Target Audience

This program is free and open to all NCG members.

Sponsors

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The James Irvine Foundation
Mitchell Kapor Foundation
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation