Gonzalez Backs Measure to Spotlight Diversity in Nonprofit Leadership

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez, D-Chicago, is working to expand diversity in the leadership of Illinois’ large non-profits with new legislation to show the race, ethnic, and gender breakdown of major grantmaking organizations and service providers.

“Who is in a leadership position almost always tells you who is in power, both in the public and private sector,” Gonzalez said. “People should be aware of these important demographics when they are making decisions about who to get involved with and how they use their voice through their participation in a non-profit organization. While the legislative process continues to take shape, I am encouraged by the overwhelming support it received so far.”

Gonzalez’s Senate Bill 2930 requires that a nonprofit’s aggregated demographic information of their directors and officers be accessible on their publicly available website for at least three years. Information on the company’s racial, ethnic, and gender makeup would be included.