A Blueprint for DEIJ Funding in Health Research

by Jon Scaccia August 8, 2024

In the vast landscape of health research, funding is the grease that keeps the wheels turning.

But what if the process that drives innovation and discovery also perpetuates inequity? Recent research unveils how funders can leverage their influence to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in grantmaking, fostering a fairer and more inclusive research environment. Let’s dive into this transformative approach and understand its potential to reshape health research.

Why DEIJ Matters in Grantmaking

Imagine a world where every voice counts in health research. Historically, many voices, especially those from marginalized communities, have been sidelined. This underrepresentation skews research priorities and outcomes, ultimately affecting the quality and relevance of health solutions available to diverse populations.

DEIJ principles offer a path to rectifying these disparities. By integrating DEIJ into grantmaking, funders can ensure that research teams are diverse, equity is prioritized, and historically marginalized communities are genuinely included in the research process. This shift not only promotes fairness but also enhances the innovation and impact of health research.

Unpacking the DEIJ Framework

The pragmatic review conducted by the researchers led to a comprehensive framework that funders can use to weave DEIJ principles into their grantmaking activities. This framework spans three crucial phases: Organizational Context, Grantmaking Process, and Assessment of Process and Outcomes.

1. Organizational Context: Building the Foundation

Before grantmakers can effectively promote DEIJ in their funded projects, they need to look inward. This phase emphasizes:

• Initiating DEIJ Efforts: Grantmakers must evaluate their internal practices and ensure diverse representation across their organization, from board members to staff.
• Investing in Community Partnerships: Engaging with community leaders and organizations that represent historically marginalized groups ensures that funding decisions reflect real-world needs and perspectives.
• Establishing DEIJ Goals: Clear goals and definitions help align the organization’s mission with DEIJ values, guiding all subsequent actions.

2. Grantmaking Process: Crafting Equitable Opportunities

In this phase, the focus shifts to the mechanics of grantmaking:

• Grant Design: Involving a diverse range of voices in setting priorities ensures that the designed grants address the needs of various communities.
• Outreach and Application: Simplifying application procedures and expanding outreach to include underrepresented groups can level the playing field for all applicants.
• Review and Selection: Implementing unbiased review processes, such as blinded reviews and anti-bias training for reviewers, helps ensure fair selection. Diverse review panels can also offer broader perspectives and reduce discriminatory practices.
• Support for Grantees: Providing resources like grant-writing workshops, career coaching, and community engagement expertise helps grantees succeed and ensures that smaller, less experienced organizations have a fair chance.

3. Assessment of Process and Outcomes: Measuring Impact

To truly advance DEIJ, grantmakers must evaluate the effectiveness of their efforts:

• Measurement: Tracking grantee demographics, health outcomes, and the impact of funded projects provides insights into the success of DEIJ initiatives.
• Evaluation: Continuous monitoring and feedback allow for adjustments and improvements in grantmaking practices.
• Dissemination: Sharing successes and lessons learned with the broader community promotes transparency and encourages other organizations to adopt similar practices.

Real-World Impact: Case Studies and Examples

The framework isn’t just theoretical—it has practical applications. Consider the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) UNITE initiative, which addresses structural racism within the institution. Similarly, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) emphasizes patient voices in their research funding decisions. These examples show how embracing DEIJ can transform the landscape of health research.

Why This Matters to You

For public health practitioners and researchers, understanding and implementing DEIJ principles in grantmaking isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a strategic advantage. Diverse research teams are more innovative and produce more impactful results. Equitable and inclusive research processes ensure that health solutions are relevant and effective for all populations, not just a privileged few.

By adopting the DEIJ framework, funders can drive systemic change, dismantle barriers, and create opportunities for historically marginalized communities. This shift can lead to more equitable health outcomes and a richer, more comprehensive understanding of health and disease.

Join the Conversation

1. How do you think incorporating DEIJ principles in grantmaking could change the landscape of health research?
2. Have you experienced any barriers in research funding that could be addressed through DEIJ-focused grantmaking practices?

Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the discussion on our social media channels!

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