Trust-Based Philanthropy Summer Learning Webinar Series
This three-part virtual series examines the values and practices of trust-based grantmaking and brings together practitioners from across the country through the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s partnership with Philanthropy Missouri, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island, New Mexico Association of Grantmakers, Philanthropy Colorado, Council of New Jersey Grantmakers, and Connecticut Council for Philanthropy.
As the challenges of the past year have illuminated, effective philanthropy relies on partnership, dialogue, and transparency with nonprofits and communities. It also requires grantmakers to reexamine traditional practices in service of a healthier and more equitable nonprofit sector.
But what does it take to embody this spirit of partnership in our work? What is the process of building trust and mutual accountability? What is the internal work required in order to be sure that we are building relationships centered on equity and power-awareness?
While the journey of trust-based philanthropy can be at times uncomfortable, for many trust-based grantmakers, this journey IS our work. Why? Because in addition to offering more space and flexibility for nonprofits to focus their time and resources where they are most needed, it also helps funders learn more deeply about the efforts that we support.
Through this summer learning series, we’ll unpack these benefits, dive deep into the six practices of trust-based philanthropy, and illuminate next steps in your trust-based philanthropy journey.
Session #1: The Purpose, Culture, & Values of Trust-Based Philanthropy
With Dimple Abichandani, General Service Foundation; John Brothers, T. Rowe Price Foundation; and Pia Infante, The Whitman Institute.
Trust-based philanthropy is much more than unrestricted grants and streamlined paperwork. At its core, this approach is fundamentally about recognizing and addressing power imbalances in service of a healthier, more equitable, and more impactful nonprofit sector. This requires a commitment to relationships based on transparency and mutual learning -- both internally within our organizations and externally with our grantee partners. For many funders, this culture-building is the work of trust-based philanthropy.
This session explores why trust-based philanthropy is trending, the fundamental values that undergird this approach, and the roles of staff and board in cultivating the culture of trust that is required in order to make this work successful. We also preview the six grantmaking practices of trust-based philanthropy and how they go hand in hand with reimagining our roles as learning partners rather than compliance officers.
This webinar was hosted on June 8th, 2021.
Session #2: Unrestricted Funding, Doing the Homework, Streamlined Paperwork
With Phil Li, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation; Holly Bartling, General Service Foundation; and Brandi Yee, ACT for Alexandria.
In this deep dive session, we explore the nuts and bolts of the first three trust-based practices: 1) multi-year, unrestricted funding as a strategy to build long-term relationships and support nonprofit self-determination; 2) doing the homework to expand our understanding of the organizations and issues we support; and 3) simplifying and streamlining applications and reports in service of relational approaches that build trust and mutual accountability. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these practices, this session will spotlight three foundations’ stories of embracing these practices -- including the steps they have taken to operationalize these practices, how they’re bringing the staff and board along, and what they are learning as a result.
This webinar was hosted on July 20th, 2021.
Session #3: Transparent Communication, Soliciting Feedback, Support Beyond the Check
With Brenda Solorzano, Headwaters Foundation, and Mailee Walker, Claneil Foundation.
This session offers insights from the field on operationalizing the final three trust-based practices: 1) being transparent and responsive as a strategy to minimize power imbalances and build honest communication, 2) soliciting and acting on feedback as an opportunity inform and strengthen your work, and 3) offering support beyond the check to support nonprofits more holistically while deepening your relationships with them.
This webinar was hosted on September 14th, 2021.