Examining racial equity’s centrality to Kresge’s mission, work through stories, letters, and spotlight on our journey

The Kresge Foundation is pleased to debut its 2019 Annual Report, entitled “Inside Out & Outside In – Equity: Organic to Our Mission.” The report explores Kresge’s willingness to transform itself and be transformed by others – equity moving inside out and outside in – to effect lasting change in America’s cities.

Kresge recognizes that expanding opportunities for people living with low-incomes in America’s cities cannot happen without centering equity – especially racial equity – in all it does. So, in 2019, Kresge adopted Equity as its sixth organizational value, alongside Creativity, Opportunity, Respect, Partnership and Stewardship. The foundation dug deep, acknowledging that any meaningful advancement of equity outside its walls begins with internal transformation and a commitment to be transformed by its partners — a never-ending dialectic of Inside Out & Outside In.

Kresge is committed to this work, because it believes that all people regardless of race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, zip code, health and ability status or any other circumstance have equal and inviolable dignity, value and a right to opportunity.

The report gives special attention to Kresge’s partners who have moved the needle on equity in their communities, fields or social sector at large – having an impact on Kresge’s own work and strategies. Collaborating with them, Kresge’s equity journey has been one of constant listening, learning, testing and acting to initiate change.

Complementing these grantee and investee stories, the report also includes essays from Kresge Board Chair Elaine Rosen about how, more than ever, this moment requires us to double down on who Kresge is and what we stand for, along with a letter from Kresge President and CEO Rip Rapson about Kresge’s resolve to tackle systemic inequity from every corner of the foundation, while calling others to join us in the work.

Explore the digital report at equityinsideout.org, download the full report, or order a complimentary print version via this form. Connect with the social media conversation on equity using #equityinsideout.