Join a movement of funders reimagining their relationship with communities.
Thousands of funders are flipping the script on conventional philanthropy by working alongside nonprofits as true partners to create a more just and equitable world.
This is trust-based philanthropy.
11K+
engaged in our network
6 in 10
grantmakers have embraced TBP practices*
1200+
trust-based practitioners in our Peer Exchange
Stories from the Movement
How funders have embraced trust-based philanthropy as a strategy for social impact.
“I am clear that I do this work to serve communities and to have greater impact. The only way that feels possible is through a
radically reimagined and reconfigured philanthropy, including a rigorous, trust-based approach to learning and evaluation.”
— Brenda Solórzano
The California Endowment
“We’ve created new practices that deepen relationships — responding directly to what grantees say they need. In short, trust-based philanthropy has made us a more adaptive, relational, and community-centered institution. We are better for it.”
— Jamie Allison
Walter & Elise Haas Fund
“Instead of being a compliance officer or gatekeeper, we’ve become a thought partner and a shoulder for people to come to. We’ve gotten more straightforward answers about their hardships and have been able to meet their needs more strategically.”
— Phil Li
Robert Sterling Clark Foundation
The Six Practices of Trust-Based Grantmaking
These practices are a tangible way to start putting your trust-based values into action.
Give Multi-Year, Unrestricted Funding
Long-term, unrestricted funding gives nonprofits flexibility and runway to plan and evolve over time.
Be Transparent & Responsive
Open, honest, and transparent communication is vital for building relationships with mutual accountability.
Do the Homework
Funders take on the onus of researching the issues and organizations in their funding landscape, saving nonprofits time in the early vetting stages.
Solicit & Act On Feedback
This allows funders to get insight into their practices, improve, and build more trust with partners.
Simplify & Streamline
Streamlining paperwork frees up nonprofits to focus on their mission while creating opportunities for dialogue about big-picture learnings.
Offer Support Beyond the Check
Responsive, non-monetary support bolsters leadership, capacity, and organizational health.
*Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, 2025 National Study of Philanthropic Practice