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.
Toward a Trust-Based Framework for Learning and Evaluation
In January 2022, more than 500 people across philanthropy joined us for a webinar exploring the question, “What does a more equitable and trust-based approach to learning and evaluation look like?” This blog post is a follow-up that webinar, and highlights lessons and insights about how funders can bring more trust and equity into learning and evaluation.
We’re Hiring a Communications & Engagement Lead…Is It You?
Are you passionate about the power of strategic communications and peer engagement to transform the culture and practice of philanthropy? If so, you might be the Communications and Engagement Lead we’re looking for! Learn more about the position and how to apply.
Trust-Based Philanthropy: A Love Letter (from a Former Fundraiser)
In this reflection, Headwater Foundation’s Robyn Windham examines trust-based philanthropy through the lens of a former fundraising professional, from lessening the burden on grantees to building mutually accountable relationships between funders and nonprofits.
Three Learnings About Trust-Based Philanthropy in an Age of Mistrust
In this this era of declining social trust, Hirsch Philanthropy Partners reflect on trust-based philanthropy’s capacity to bridge divides, advance racial equity, and create solutions that work for communities.
Pandemic Inspires Radical Reimagination … and Fewer Restrictions
“Losing the restrictions on our grants doesn’t mean losing our ability to track the impact of our grant recipients.” -Rehana Farrell, Lauren Elicks McCort, & Taylor Wright
Pooled Funds As a Gateway To Trust-Building
“If foundations are worried about siloing in the nonprofit sector, why do foundations insist on operating in their own silos?” -Henry Rael
Ahead of the Grain in Puerto Rico
“If we genuinely listen to communities, there are no boundaries to what can be achieved.” -Alexandra Hertell
A Journey from Traditional Grantmaking to Trust-Based Philanthropy
“Before we hold grantees accountable, we must hold ourselves accountable as funders.” -Jill Miller
We Can’t Sit Content In A Broken System
“How do we center the importance of trust without centering ourselves in the power dynamic that comes with being the funder?” -Mailee Walker & Andrea Bretting
Trust-Based Philanthropy in 4D Webinar Series
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, in partnership with the Environmental Grantmakers Association, Blue Sky Funders Forum, and Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders, is pleased to announce a four-part webinar series on using trust-based values to guide your philanthropy’s grantmaking practices, culture, structures, and leadership.
What Sparks Change Toward Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Learning Coordinator Eddie Whitfield reflects on the stories of leaders in philanthropy who are embracing trust-based philanthropy and have shared their experiences on the Trust-Based Story Map. He lifts up the themes that have emerged on what inspires the adoption of trust-based values and practices and what we can learn from these trends.
A Power Reckoning on Trust in Philanthropy, From Both Sides of the Pond: Part 2 — Levers for Change, Grounded in Trust
The U.S.-based Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and the U.K.’s IVAR's Open & Trusting Initiative share how they are leveraging peer-to-peer advocacy and accountability, strategic communications, and nonprofit feedback to move philanthropy toward a more equitable future for all. (Part 2 of 2)
A Power Reckoning on Trust in Philanthropy, From Both Sides of the Pond: Part 1
Several years into the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and IVAR's Open & Trusting Initiative, both initiatives reflect on how they’re working with donors, building peer learning communities, and sharing lessons - all on their journeys to upending traditional philanthropy. (Part 1 of 2)
What Will It Take for Trust-Based Philanthropy to Stick?
At this crossroads moment, when some funders are considering pulling back toward a problematic set of norms, the Trust-Based Philanthropy in 4D tool offers reflections and action steps to help foundations make trust-based philanthropy stick.
Introducing Caitlan Cole + Eddie Whitfield
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project welcomed two new team members this summer, Caitlan Cole (Collaboration Coordinator) and Eddie Whitfield (Learning Coordinator). Get to know Caitlan and Eddie in this Q+A post.
Showing Up and Sharing Power
The leadership at the Durfee Foundation in Los Angeeles wanted to break down the traditional barriers between foundation trustees and nonprofit partners and deepen relationships through trust-based conversations. Learn more about how they did it and what they learned.
Let’s Talk About Trust ... And Racism
“We need to be conscious about where our trust (and distrust) are coming from, or we will distribute the benefits of this work inequitably.” -Liz Dozier
Let’s Admit Our Mistakes (And Learn From Them)
“There are pitfalls on this journey. The most important thing is to keep learning, document, and incorporate the lesson for the next time.” -Raymael Blackwell
Trust-Based Philanthropy as a Movement Building Strategy
“Achieving our goal is not possible without the organizations on the ground, so we believe supporting their capacity is part of building the movement.” -Farrah Parkes
Let the People Lead, and the Real Work Gets Done
“Our best grantmaking has happened not because of a strategy developed internally, but because we operate as a site of shifted power to begin with.” -Jenn Ching