WILMINGTON — The Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement is expanding its services to help local nonprofits establish more diverse and inclusive boards and senior leadership teams while enhancing their organizational culture around issues of diversity, equity and inclusion thanks to the support of Barclays US Consumer Bank.

The new funding from Barclays will help establish DANA’s Nonprofit Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and help to raise awareness and increase diversity within local organizations while evolving their organizational culture to root out causes of systemic inequality. Program initiatives will include enhanced DEI training and consulting for local nonprofits, research on the current state of Delaware nonprofit board diversity and inclusion practices and provide more opportunities for diverse individuals to gain access to board service.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion aren’t just catchwords, but a societal issue that nonprofits can play a critical role in addressing,” Sheila Bravo, president and CEO for DANA, said in a prepared statement. “I believe we can help shape meaningful action within our community by providing training, coaching, and consulting services around these issues. We are grateful to Barclays for their partnership and support to help address these issues.”

For grassroots organizations that often work within communities of color, DANA will now be able to provide technical assistance to smaller nonprofits who may lack grant writing skills and expertise, providing them with the ability to compete with larger organizations for foundation funding. Plans for workshops and forums on DEI and Trauma are underway, and a new website featuring DEI opportunities, efforts, progress information and resources is in the works.

Partnerships are a key component of DANA’s DEI offerings. DANA will connect nonprofits with organizations that offer training in a particular area, as well bring in expert speakers and consultants with expertise in DEI training, coaching support and subject matter research.

“It has never been more essential for businesses and nonprofits to integrate DEI practices that reflect the communities they serve,” said Jennifer Cho, head of citizenship/community relations for Barclays US Consumer Bank. “DANA’s work creates opportunities for innovation and improvement for nonprofit programs across the state, and Barclays is proud to support DANA in these efforts.”