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Virtual Learning Series: The 6 Principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy

This is the first webinar in our Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning Series hosted in partnership with Blue Sky Funders Forum and the Environmental Grantmakers Association. It is free and open to all. Register here.

Too often, foundations inadvertently get in the way of nonprofits doing the work they know best. This can slow down progress, perpetuate inequities, and obstruct nonprofit growth and innovation. Trust-based philanthropy reimagines that power dynamic, advocating for a set of six interrelated principles that, when practiced together, help put trust-based values into action. This includes 1) giving multi-year unrestricted funding, 2) doing the homework, 3) simplifying and streamlining paperwork, 4) being transparent and responsive, 5) soliciting and acting on feedback, and 6) offering support beyond the check.

While trust-based philanthropy is greater than the sum of its principles, these practices are often a good starting point for those who are getting familiar with the approach. Join us for a deep dive into the rationale behind these principles, the benefits and learnings that can be achieved as a result, and storytelling from foundations that have made the intentional shift toward embracing these practices into their daily work and operations. 

Speakers:

  • Elena Chavez Quezada, Vice President of Programs, San Francisco Foundation

  • Philip Li, President & CEO, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation

  • Sarah Walczyk, Executive Director, Satterberg Foundation

This session will be moderated by Shaady Salehi, Director of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project.

Click here to register for this session.

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About the Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning Series:

The Blue Sky Funders Forum, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, and the Environmental Grantmakers Association are pleased to announce a 3-part series on trust-based philanthropy exploring the practices, values, and culture of what it means to be a trust-based funder. 

At its core, trust-based philanthropy is about redistributing power -- systemically, organizationally, and interpersonally -- in service of a healthier and more equitable nonprofit sector.  On a practical level, this includes multi-year unrestricted funding, streamlined applications and reporting, and a commitment to building relationships based on transparency, dialogue, and mutual learning. 

As this approach becomes more and more recognized in our sector, many foundations are making strides to adopt trust-based practices in order to deepen their relationships and impact. This has become more prevalent and urgent during the pandemic to effectively respond to emerging needs. We see an opportunity to build on this journey, and further explore what it looks like to adopt trust-based practices;  how it connects to your organizational culture and values and connections with work to advance racial equity and justice; and what it takes to build a trust-based culture from the inside-out.


Previous
Previous
March 11

Trust, Power, and Action: The Deep Work of Trust-Based Philanthropy

Next
Next
March 30

Confronting and Correcting Historical Power Imbalance