As Nonprofit Finance Fund stepped up its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), there was a need for clearer guidance on issues of identity that weren’t covered in the house style guide.

The Identity Style Guide was developed as an internal resource for thinking through and writing about elements of identity. I developed the guide by scouring existing style guides for elements of identity and determining whether and how their guidance fit into NFF’s work, mission, and values. I opened my initial draft for comment with the entire organization, and found staff were eager to give feedback and suggest edits and additions. Together we created a powerful expression of our values and a useful communications resource for staff.

The guide is updated annually with a thorough review by the communications team and input from staff. As of 2024, the Identity Style Guide features crucial communications principles and 240+ word choice recommendations to improve framing of complex issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The guide is designed to promote critical thinking around the words we use—rather than providing a specific word to use in every instance.