The Great Unlearning:
Why Do Words That Hide Harm Feel ‘Right’? 
Language, Power, and the Fundraising Sector 

In fundraising, language is our currency. It’s how we tell stories, build donor pipelines, communicate impact, and advance our missions. But too often, that language, crafted for grant proposals, donor reports, board presentations, and public communications, conceals more than it reveals. And in doing so, it unknowingly compromises our commitments to equity. 

You’ve seen it: 

“We serve vulnerable populations.”
“Our mission is to support at-risk youth.”
“This program focuses on underserved communities.”

These phrases are everywhere, from donor briefings to strategic plans. Who decided these words were “right”, and what do they cost us and the communities, faculty, staff, and students that we serve to keep using them? 

This timely webinar invites fundraisers, grant writers, communicators, advancement professionals, and philanthropic leaders to interrogate the language we’ve inherited and unlearn the words that may sound “professional” but obscure systemic harm. 

In this two-hour webinar, learners will trace the roots of commonly used terms like “vulnerable,” “at-risk,” “marginalized,” “low-income,” “disadvantaged,” and others and unpack their origins; explore how language choices shape funding priorities, donor perceptions, and organizational culture; learn how to conduct language audits across proposals, campaigns, stewardship language, and public-facing materials using grant-safe, community-honoring alternatives; and build fluency in effective, equity-centered language: strategic wording that advances your mission, resonates across diverse audiences, and aligns with institutional values without compromising clarity or community trust. 

All registrants will receive a copy of Unbanned: An Equity Lexicon, a practical toolkit featuring over 350 grant-safe alternatives and replacement terms for banned or flagged words. This powerful resource helps teams speak with clarity and integrity without sacrificing strategy or compliance. 

This webinar will be recorded. The slides, recording, and any associated handouts will be sent to all registered attendees at the conclusion of the webinar.

Live Webinar 
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST (USA) 
Registration is now open
*CFRE Points Available