Trust-Based Blog

Reimagining philanthropy begins with learning out loud.

By sharing ideas, with curiosity and humility, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project blog features trust-based grantmakers who talk about their own lessons, questions, and aha-moments along their power-sharing journeys.

Maggie McGoldrick 8/7/25 Maggie McGoldrick 8/7/25

Using Your Voice and Influence to Complement Your Grantmaking

Funders can use their voice and influence to amplify their grantmkaing, something that is particularly important as nonprofits face a dearth of funds. From signing pledges to signal solidarity and take action to bold peer-to-peer calls to action and transparent communication, family philanthropy is using its voice to meet the moment.

Brenda Solórzano 8/6/25 Brenda Solórzano 8/6/25

Leadership in a time of crisis: Why The California Endowment is doubling its payout rate to 10%

This isn’t a time for philanthropy to be merely responsive but a time to think differently about our work as funders, including about our payout rate; how we deploy resources and show up as civic institutions; and how we listen to the people whose lives are being impacted daily.

Shaady Salehi 5/9/25 Shaady Salehi 5/9/25

Building Toward, For, and Beyond This Moment

From 2020 to 2024, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, alongside our wonderful network of partners and allies, took trust-based philanthropy from a concept to a movement. Now, we are building upon that momentum — tapping into our people power and relationships to mobilize a collective commitment for trust-based action.

Shaady Salehi and Pia Infante 3/26/25 Shaady Salehi and Pia Infante 3/26/25

Sign the Philanthropic Commitment for Trust-Based Action

Funders, now is the time to do everything within your power to move in solidarity with nonprofits, mobilize money, and nurture possibility. Sign the commitment, share this with peers, and join the growing community of grantmakers and donors taking trust-based, courageous action on behalf of our sector.