Tech giant eliminates around 50 DEI non-profits from a funding list, according to recent reports.
In early 2025, Google made a significant move by removing 58 nonprofit organizations focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from its public funding list. This purge, the largest in at least five years, has raised questions about the tech giant's commitment to DEI initiatives[1][2][3].
The removed organizations typically had mission statements that included keywords like "diversity," "equity," "inclusion," "race," "activism," and "women." Examples include the African American Community Service Agency, Latino Leadership Alliance, and National Network to End Domestic Violence[2].
The exact reason for this removal remains unclear. Google has not publicly confirmed whether it has ceased funding these nonprofits or simply chosen to no longer publicly disclose their support[1]. However, the timing and nature of the removals suggest that Google may be distancing itself from DEI programs, aligning with recent political pressures against DEI initiatives[1][2].
Despite this, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai stated in May 2025 that diversity remains a foundational value at Google and claimed the company is investing more resources into diversity than ever before, focusing on scalable and effective initiatives internally[2].
Google spokesperson José Castañeda clarified that the list reflects contributions made in 2024. He also noted that the list does not reflect all contributions made by other teams within Google, as some partnerships may be less publicly disclosed[1].
Fiona Cicconi, Google's Chief People Officer, announced an update to programs, trainings, and initiatives in February. However, the update does not specify which programs, trainings, or initiatives are being updated[1]. Some updates may include those that raise risk or are not as impactful as hoped.
Melonie Parker, Google's former head of diversity, stated that the company was updating programs that had "DEI content." Additionally, Google has removed language associated with DEI from its annual report[1].
The current status of these partnerships is ambiguous: some nonprofits may no longer receive funding, or the funding may simply be less publicly disclosed. This change reflects a significant shift in Google's public approach to DEI funding while reportedly maintaining some commitment internally.
The report references the most recent public list of organizations that receive the "most substantial contributions" from Google's US Government Affairs and Public Policy team. The update by Fiona Cicconi corresponds with Google's removal of several DEI-focused organizations from its list of funded organizations[1].
José Castañeda's statement was made to CNBC, and the update by Fiona Cicconi was shared in an email Q&A viewed by Business Insider[1].
This move by Google comes amidst growing scrutiny of tech companies' DEI efforts. It remains to be seen how this decision will impact the affected nonprofits and Google's overall commitment to DEI initiatives.
References: [1] Business Insider. (2025). Google removed 58 nonprofits focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion from its funding list, report says. [online] Available at: https://www.businessinsider.com/google-removed-58-nonprofits-focused-on-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-2025-2
[2] CNBC. (2025). Google is reportedly cutting ties with dozens of diversity-focused nonprofits. [online] Available at: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/23/google-is-reportedly-cutting-ties-with-dozens-of-diversity-focused-nonprofits.html
[3] The Tech Transparency Project. (2025). Google Cuts Ties with Dozens of Diversity-Focused Nonprofits. [online] Available at: https://techtransparency.org/google-cuts-ties-with-dozens-of-diversity-focused-nonprofits/
- The technological giant, Google, may be reevaluating its public commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, following the removal of 58 nonprofit organizations focusing on DEI from its public funding list.
- Despite this move, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai declared that Google remains dedicated to fostering diversity and is investing more resources into DEI than ever before, focusing on internal initiatives such as scalable and effective programs.
- The shift in Google's public approach to DEI funding has raised questions about the tech company's long-term dedication to education-and-self-development and community inclusion programs that promote diversity and equality.
