Inclusion by Design

A Cohort for Human-Centered Tech Leaders

Technology and operations staff are core to achieving mission-centric goals.

To contribute strategically to technology solutions that advance philanthropy’s goal of a more just, inclusive, and equitable society, these leaders need awareness, knowledge, and skills to develop and deploy effective solutions to meet diverse resource and learning needs.

The philanthropic sector recognizes technology’s power, including artificial intelligence (AI), to advance its mission. However, data from the State of Philanthropy Tech surveys reveal that nearly half of tech teams lack training in leading and implementing equitable solutions. Without this critical knowledge, tech and operations staff struggle to provide strategic guidance on the technical aspects of mission-driven work. Equipping teams with these skills enables AI to drive ethical, effective, and impactful innovation while mitigating unintended consequences.

Building on its successful “Equity Essentials” program, TAG is pleased to offer an updated leadership cohort program, “Inclusion by Design”. Designed with tech teams and modern leaders in mind, “Inclusion by Design” recognizes the pivotal role technology systems and staff play in advancing equitable and impactful solutions for all.

Deadline to register for the Inclusion by Design program has been extended to March 23, 2026!

Inclusion by Design: A Human-Centered Leadership Cohort
W.K. Kellogg Foundation

This cohort program was made possible with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Congratulations to all who have completed the program!

Program Overview

The program includes four components:

6 Self-Guided Online Courses

Immerse yourself in the foundational courses on your own schedule. Coursework commitment ranges from 60-90 minutes per module. 

  • Shared Language to Advance Equity
  • Structural Racism in the US
  • Introducing a Framework for Advancing Equity
  • Inclusive & Participatory Application Design
  • Exploring the Role of Data in Equity Work
  • Operationalizing Equity

4 Virtual Learning Events

Gain a deeper understanding of coursework through bi-weekly peer learning events, meant to provide context to what you learn on your own and build rapport with peers on the journey. All 4 virtual events will occur at 12:00 PM ET / 9:00 AM PT and the expected time commitment for these events will be 2 hours per session.

2026 Learning Events

  • March 12: Welcome & Introduction to the Inclusion by Design Series
  • March 26: Applying Inclusive & Participatory Design Techniques in Philanthropy
  • April 9: Using Data Equitably
  • April 23: Becoming an Advocate, Working with Vendors 

Peer Learning Forum

Supplement your inquiry and peer conversation in a dedicated, private chat space built directly within the program’s learning platform, MightyNetworks. Facilitated bi-weekly conversations will invite you to collaborate and share insights inspired by curriculum topics. Participation is optional but highly encouraged.

In addition, two 60-minute “Office Hours” meetings with Inclusion by Design program staff will be offered in between live sessions. Participation is optional but encouraged as needed.

Course Certificate Upon Completion

Digital certificates via Credly.com are offered for participants who complete all coursework. Consultants, product providers, and vendors who earn the certificate may opt to be included in TAG’s Directory of Certificate Earners, addressing a long-standing request by philanthropic organizations to provide a list of vendors committed to equity.

NOTE: All sessions are required to earn a certificate of completion. However, if you have an existing, unavoidable conflict with one or more of the four virtual learning events, we ask that you watch the recording and share a brief reflection. Missing an event will not prevent you from successfully completing the program.

Program Cost

Program fees are offered on a sliding scale basis, ranging from $250-$450 per person for the eight week intensive program. Fees are based on asset size for grantmakers and revenue for vendors. The program is open to TAG members and non-members who work in technology-related roles in philanthropy.

Cost per attendees is as follows:

$250 – Small Org TAG Member (<$250M in assets or <$1M in annual revenue)
$350 – Mid-Sized TAG Member ($250 M–$1B in assets or $1M–$5M in annual revenue)
$400 – Large Org TAG Member (>$1B in assets or >$5M in annual revenue)
$450 – Non-Member

Program costs are non-refundable. Limit of 5 participants per organization.

Program Duration

The 2026 Inclusion by Design program will launch on March 12, 2026 and conclude on May 7, 2026.

  • Self-guided coursework begins upon registration. Six (6) self-guided courses will be provided.
  • The first virtual learning event with peers will be held on March 12, 2026. Four (4) virtual learning events will be provided.
  • All sessions are required to be completed by May 30, 2026 to earn a certificate of completion.

Learn More About Inclusion by Design

February 17, 2026

Program Information Session

Watch the recording of the Inclusion by Design “Information Session”, featuring TAG staff Gozi Egbuonu and Eli Han, along with program partner Lekisha Middleton of the Good Success Network. The session covers an overview of the cohort experience, curriculum highlights, and participation expectations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Inclusion by Design Leadership Cohort?

The Inclusion by Design Leadership Cohort is an updated leadership program offered by the Technology Association of Grantmakers (TAG). Building upon the previous “Equity Essentials” program, this cohort is designed to equip technology and operations professionals in philanthropy with the awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary to develop and deploy effective solutions that meet diverse resource and learning needs. The program emphasizes the pivotal role technology systems and staff play in advancing equitable and impactful solutions for all.

Who should participate in this program?

Inclusion by Design is tailored for technology and operations staff within philanthropic organizations who are committed to advancing accessible and inclusive technology solutions in and through their work. It is also an ideal program for consultants, product providers, and vendors serving the philanthropic sector.

What does the program entail?

Inclusion by Design includes four key components:

  1. Self-Guided Online Courses: Six foundational courses covering topics such as shared language to advance equity, structural racism in the US, frameworks for advancing equity, inclusive and participatory application design, the role of data in equity work, and operationalizing equity. Each module requires a commitment of 60-90 minutes.
  2. Virtual Learning Events: Four bi-weekly peer learning sessions, each lasting 2 hours, designed to deepen understanding of the coursework and foster peer connections. In addition, two 60-minute “Office Hours” meetings with the Inclusion by Design program staff will be offered between live sessions. Participation in Office Hours is optional but encouraged as needed.
  3. Peer Learning Forum: A dedicated, private chat space within the program’s learning platform, MightyNetworks, facilitating bi-weekly conversations for collaboration and insight sharing. Participation is optional but highly encouraged.
  4. Course Certificate Upon Completion: Participants who complete all coursework can opt to receive a digital certificate via Credly.com. Consultants, product providers, and vendors may choose to be listed in TAG’s Directory of Certificate Earners, providing philanthropic organizations with a resource of vendors committed to developing accessible solutions through inclusive, human-centered design.
What is the time commitment required?

Participants should anticipate dedicating 60-90 minutes per self-guided course module and 2 hours for each of the four virtual learning events. An additional 1-2 hours will be required for community engagement activities and brief homework assignments designed for applying the session learning.

Note: If you have an existing, unavoidable conflict with one or more of the four virtual learning events, we ask that you watch the recording and share a brief reflection. Missing an event will not prevent you from successfully completing the program.

When does the program start?

The 2026 Inclusion by Design program will launch on March 12, 2026 and conclude on May 7, 2026.

What are the benefits of completing this program?

Participants will enhance their capacity to contribute strategically to technology solutions that advance philanthropy’s goal of a more just, inclusive, and equitable society. All program participants have the opportunity to receive a digital certificate of completion and be listed in TAG’s Directory of Certificate Earners, showcasing your commitment to advancing a more human-centered philanthropy tech sector.

How much does the program cost?

Program fees are structured on a sliding scale, ranging from $250 to $450 per person for the eight-week intensive program. Fees are determined based on asset size for grantmakers and revenue for vendors. Program costs are non-refundable.

How can I register for the program?

Interested individuals can register for the program through TAG’s official website. Registration for the 2026 cohort is open until March 11, 2026.

Is there an information session available?

Yes, TAG hosted an information session on February 17, 2026, providing an overview of the program. A recording of this session is available for those who wish to learn more about the curriculum, fee structure, time commitment, and benefits of participation. Watch the Info Session recording here. (Registration required for access)

Is participation limited to TAG members?

No, you do not need to be a member of TAG to participate in this leadership program. However, discounted rates for the program are exclusively offered to TAG members. For more information about the program costs and becoming a TAG member, send an email to [email protected].

Who can I contact for more information?

For more comprehensive information, please visit the Inclusion by Design program page on TAG’s website. For additional details or inquiries, please reach out to TAG’s Programs Coordinator, Eli Han, and/or TAG’s Director of Programs, Gozi Egbuonu.

Interested in the Inclusion by Design program?

Contact Gozi Egbuonu, Director of Programs for TAG, to learn more or to discuss supporting this initiative.