ERGs Beyond the Budget

Hello Trailblazers & Changemakers,

Amidst policy changes and budget cuts, ERGs today are expected to operate with significantly fewer resources than they did in years past.

This undoubtedly poses a challenge for ERG leaders looking to continue building community and scaling impact in their workplaces. If you find yourself wondering how to maintain momentum with less funding or support, know that you’re not alone.

The good news is that tight budgets don’t mean ERGs have to go quiet — but they do require a shift in mindset and strategy.

Reframing Value

The first thing to remember is that your ERG’s success isn’t measured in speaker fees or swag drops. It’s never been about how much money you spend; instead, it’s about how you:

• Build safe, authentic spaces for employees to connect

• Influence company culture in ways leadership can’t always see

• Spark ideas and conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise

Whether it’s a vulnerable story shared in Slack or a small roundtable that changes someone’s perspective, those moments matter. And they add up. When you focus your attention on what really matters, it’s easier to continue pushing forward despite having fewer resources.

Implementing Low-Lift, High-Impact Efforts

Of course, your flagship initiatives still matter. As much as you can, keep hosting company-wide events or sponsoring group outings. But when time and money are limited, it’s more than okay to simplify. A few ideas:

• Digital spotlights: Highlight ERG members or allies during a heritage month (including photos, fun facts, or short Q&As) and share in an email newsletter.

• Slack takeovers: Share a daily article, quote, or podcast episode tied to your ERG’s mission.

• 30-minute micro-events: Host a virtual coffee chat or fireside conversation. Keep it casual, and keep it consistent.

• Cross-ERG collabs: Co-host something with another group. It lightens the lift and broadens your reach.

• Replay the hits: Re-share event recordings or recaps from past programming that people may have missed.

Not every ERG initiative needs to be an expensive production. You can still drive positive results without breaking the bank!

Leveraging Strategic Partnerships

You know what they say: two is better than one.

Sure, your budget might be tight — but that doesn’t mean you’re alone.

Look for ways to team up:

• L&D or IT might help with learning platforms, guest speakers, or event logistics

• Marketing or Comms teams can help elevate your message internally

• External partners (nonprofits, vendors, alumni) often have free or low-cost programming to plug into

Also: don’t underestimate the power of interns, ambassadors, or new ERG volunteers who want to build something meaningful. Joining hands with other organizations or with allies can help you expand your reach while keeping costs low.

Communicating Impact

Even without big activations, you can (and should) still show the value you’re driving. Keep tracking your key metrics (participating, Slack engagement, survey responses, etc.) and sharing any qualitative insights that speak to your ERG’s influence: anecdotes or testimonials from members about how the ERG helped them feel seen, heard, or supported, partnerships or projects influenced by your ERG’s input, etc.

Even if your budget is shrinking, your visibility should grow. When you can tell a clear story, it’s easier to get future buy-in from leadership.

If resources are tight, lean into creativity. Tap into community. Focus on why your ERG exists in the first place.

And remember: ERGs were never about budget. They were always about belonging.

Onward and upward,

Dumebi

If you're interested in exploring how Chezie can enhance your Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), I invite you to schedule a demo. We also offer a wealth of resources to support your ERG initiatives:

• ERG Toolkit: Comprehensive guides and templates to help you establish and manage effective ERGs.

• Blue Pages: A collection of articles and thought pieces on best practices for ERGs.

• ERG Leaders Community: Join discussions with ERG and DEI leaders to share experiences and strategies.

Lastly, connect with me on LinkedIn for more insights and updates.