6 Practices of Trust-Based Grantmaking
Too often, grantmaking practices slow down or inhibit nonprofits doing the work they know best. Trust-based philanthropy reimagines that dynamic, helping funders authentically partner with grantees in a spirit of service.
Six practices are core to trust-based philanthropy, and when they’re practiced together, they can contribute to a more just and equitable nonprofit sector. However, the practices should be seen as part of a larger whole that is rooted in values and encompasses all of an organization’s work — including culture, structures, and leadership.
Click each header to see specific steps, plus insights from funders who have implemented them.
The work of nonprofits is long term and unpredictable. Multi-year, unrestricted funding gives grantees the flexibility to assess and determine where grant dollars are most needed and allows for innovation, emergent action, and sustainability.
Nonprofits often have to jump through countless hoops just to be invited to submit a proposal. Trust-based philanthropy moves the onus to grantmakers, making it the funders' responsibility to get to know prospective grantees and saving nonprofits time in the early stages of the vetting process.
Nonprofits spend an inordinate amount of time on funder-driven applications and reports, which can distract them from their mission-critical work. Streamlined approaches focused on dialogue and learning can pave the way for deeper relationships and mutual accountability.
The work of nonprofits is long term and unpredictable. Multi-year, unrestricted funding gives grantees the flexibility to assess and determine where grant dollars are most needed and allows for innovation, emergent action, and sustainability.
Philanthropy doesn’t have all the answers. Grantees and communities provide valuable perspectives that can inform a funder’s strategy and approach and make our work more successful in the long run.
Responsive, adaptive, non-monetary support bolsters leadership, capacity, and organizational health. This is especially critical for organizations that have historically gone without the same access to networks or level of support as their more established peers.
Full 6 Practices Guide
While a truly trust-based approach to philanthropy encompasses four key dimensions that go beyond just practices, this guide provides insights and practical recommendations for the practices.
Relevant Resources
A two-page overview that’s easy to share with colleagues
How a trust-based approach differs from conventional grantmaking
Printable definitions for the most common TBP terms and phrases