In the nonprofit sector across New York City, conversations about diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice are everywhere—woven into mission statements, annual reports, board presentations, and social media posts.
And that’s a good thing.
But there’s one area where those values too often stall: vendor partnerships.
Legal services. IT support. Marketing agencies. Consultants. Staffing firms. Facilities vendors.
Despite strong commitments to equity, the same large corporate firms frequently receive contracts year after year—while many Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) struggle to get a foot in the door.
The Infrastructure Is Already There
New York State and New York City have invested heavily in building pathways for organizations to work with certified MWBE vendors. Through programs run by the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Empire State Development, businesses can access:
- Formal MWBE certification
- Public vendor directories
- Streamlined small-purchase processes
- Educational programs and procurement workshops
- Networking events connecting founders with decision-makers
Through these programs, I’ve personally met some of the most impressive founders across industries—innovative, mission-driven entrepreneurs doing incredible work in legal services, technology, consulting, marketing, staffing, and operations.
These aren’t “nice to have” alternatives. They’re competitive, sophisticated partners delivering real value.
And the numbers back that up.
In FY 2025, New York City awarded a record $6.9 billion in M/WBE contracts, achieving a historic 36.4% utilization rate under Local Law 1—the highest in the program’s history.
Progress is happening. But there’s still more opportunity, particularly within the nonprofit sector.
Why MWBE Partnerships Matter for Nonprofits
When nonprofits intentionally partner with certified MWBEs, it goes far beyond checking a compliance box.
It creates:
- Local economic impact by keeping dollars circulating in the communities nonprofits serve
- Stronger community relationships built on shared experience and trust
- Alignment between mission and practice—living out equity, not just talking about it
- Innovation and agility that often comes from founder-led firms
For organizations rooted in social impact, vendor choices are not neutral. Where dollars flow sends a powerful message about whose businesses—and whose leadership—are valued.
An Honest Question for Nonprofit Leaders
So I want to pose a question to my network:
Nonprofit leaders. HR teams. Operations directors. Procurement professionals. Anyone who influences vendor decisions.
Have you intentionally supported a certified MWBE vendor in the past 12 months?
Do you align your processes on your DEI commitments when it comes to where your organization’s dollars actually go?
From Statements to Systems
DEI commitments are strongest when they show up not only in hiring practices and internal policies, but in the systems organizations build—including procurement.
If equity is core to our missions, our vendor relationships should reflect that same commitment to diversity.
Shoutout to the nonprofits already leading the way.