In the grants we make and the collective work we undertake, the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) believes that when people with different ideas, backgrounds, and experiences are given equal opportunity, this collective and inclusive effort yields more sustainable and innovative solutions.

For this reason, we strive throughout our work to continually and intentionally:

• Engage and elevate organizations from a diverse range of ideas, backgrounds and experiences.  When we say “diverse” we mean not only those from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group and persons of color, but also those from economically underprivileged backgrounds (i.e., those raised in a household earning less than the median U.S. income), first-generation college graduates, those raised in a single-parent home or by non-biological parents; women, LBTQ+, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and others;
• Ensure our approach is clear, fair and consistent, opening up greater pools of options for every grantee, partner and service provider; and
• Encourage our partners to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion within their organizations.

To this end, WFF’s Inclusive Vendor Guidelines help ensure equitable opportunities for majority-owned companies with diverse ideas, backgrounds and experiences amongst such ownership. The goal of this these guidelines is to create a clear, fair and consistent process that takes into account industry best practices, our fiduciary responsibility of stewardship and accountability, and our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We encourage the increased participation and potential options of diverse vendors in all contracting opportunities and candidate pools, and we are committed to making an extra effort to include diverse suppliers in our searches—and supporting our grantees and partners to do the same. While we do not make guarantees or reserve spots, we can do better at creating more options for choosing vendors, grantees and partners of diverse ideas, backgrounds and experiences.

WFF works to build relationships with vendors based on trust, mutual respect and achievement of shared goals. Our Inclusive Vendor Guidelines are part of our broader work to support the economic stability and vitality of the populations and communities WFF serves as we look, listen, learn and lead alongside them.