Why We Created A Nonprofit For Diversity & Inclusion Research
This week marks the official launch of Aleria Research Corporation (ARC), a nonprofit whose mission is to create a more inclusive and equitable world through charitable, scientific research related to Diversity & Inclusion (D&I). We are fortunate to be joined by an outstanding slate of Directors and Advisors, and look forward to making a tangible impact.
ARC is the third entity that my colleagues and I have created since 2017, after Aleria, a for-profit software startup developing corporate D&I solutions, and the Quantitative Studies of Diversity & Inclusion (QSDI) initiative at the City College of New York, conducting academic research and other D&I related activities.
Recently, I presented the reasoning behind this three-pronged approach to D&I. As we celebrate ARC’s official launch, I want to share some of the reasons that led us to create this new entity, and outline how we will approach ARC’s mission.
Increased Opportunity for Impact
When we launched the for-profit Aleria, we decided to focus on the corporate world, because we believe that linking D&I to corporate success is a crucial ingredient to the widespread adoption of inclusion and diversity. Since that time we have identified a number of additional opportunities that aren’t directly in line with our efforts to develop a corporate D&I software platform, but that present immense opportunities to make real impact towards our larger mission of a more equitable and inclusive world.
ARC allows us to address a much broader set of issues and to create great opportunities for impact across many segments of our society.
Access to Capital
In addition to expanding the potential of our reach and impact, there were a number of tactical benefits to creating a research nonprofit. Notably, there are many funding sources available to nonprofits, ranging from individual donors to foundations and government agencies, who want to leverage their resources to create lasting impact. ARC has the unique ability to work with these individuals and organizations to support their own D&I-related efforts and objectives.
Attract Exceptional Talent
Beyond capital, our impact-focused work attracts exceptional talent from a growing population that seeks meaningful work. In a few months’ time, we have been able to recruit employees, board members and advisors that are excited to contribute to and support our mission.
An Idea Lab
For me personally, ARC represents a sort of “idea lab” where I can let my creative juices flow more freely than I could (or should) in a software startup, and with greater speed and flexibility than would be possible within an academic environment. While in many instances our projects will be based on the requirements of clients and partners, ARC creates a vehicle to explore some of our own ideas.
ARC’s nonprofit structure means that we can pursue ideas even when they are unlikely to become a commercial success — though we believe that even a nonprofit should strive to retain the performance and scalability objectives of successful companies.
Join Our Celebration
My colleagues and I are excited about the potential of our work and invite you to join us in celebrating the launch of this unique organization. Take a look at 5 ways you can get involved with ARC today.
We would also like to ask for your support in helping us achieve our mission. Whether you are an individual who wants to make a difference with a donation, a corporation looking for help addressing issues related to D&I, a philanthropic organization seeking to support this mission, or a member of the media interested in writing about organizations that are trying to make the world a better place, we’d love to hear from you!
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