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.
Why Are We Still Talking About Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Philanthropy is full of trends. We oversaturate the field with programming, resources, and think-pieces responding to the latest buzz. We write reports, host roundtables, and do interviews elevating the “hot topics” funders are grappling with. So why are we still talking about trust-based philanthropy?
Trust-Based Philanthropy With A Racial Equity Lens
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project is pleased to announce this multi-part series exploring the relationship between trust-based philanthropy and racial equity including why a racial equity lens is needed, what a racial equity lens is in a trust-based approach, and how to operationalize it.
Are You Trustwashing?
The rise of trust-based philanthropy has led to a dramatic increase in funders referring to themselves as “trust-based.” Some of those funders are genuinely committed to the nuanced and iterative work of trust-based philanthropy, which requires a willingness to confront power imbalances and systemic inequities across all dimensions of our work.
The Origins of Trust-Based Philanthropy: An Interview with Pia Infante
Ever wonder where the name “trust-based philanthropy” came from? The roots of the framework and movement trace back to The Whitman Institute (TWI), a San Francisco-based grantmaking institution that sunsetted in 2022. The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project team sat down with Pia Infante, former Co-Executive Director of The Whitman Institute, to get the scoop.
How to Be More Accessible to Prospective and First-Time Grantees
On Monday July 31, members of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project peer exchange gathered to explore how funders could be more accessible to first-time and prospective grantees. Explore the key takeaways from our conversation on how funders can step up and be more accessible to prospective and first-time grantees.
Can Shifts In Grantmaking Lead to Deeper Culture Change?
“We’re realizing the power and potential of leading with our values when we think about attracting board and staff who are going to help us evolve the organization.” -Pamela Jons and Mauri Ingram
Before Philanthropy, We Were Grantees
Vanessa Stevens, Director of Innovation and Influencing at Global Fund for Children asked some of her colleagues about how their experiences working at community-based organizations have shaped their values and decisions today as grantmakers. Here’s what they said.
Rigorous Evaluation Versus Trust-Based Learning: Is This a Valid Dichotomy?
"I believe that if we funders were honest with ourselves, we would all agree that the old ways of working are not getting us to the place we need to reach as a sector, or as a society." Brenda Solorzano, Headwaters Foundation
TBP or Not TBP? A Reflection on MacKenzie Scott’s Giving
Senior Fellow, Pia Infante reflects on a previous letter thanking MacKenzie Scott, for what was then referred to as her “trust-based philanthropy” approach. Despite some shared values, there are some key differences in the “how” of it all. “I now realize it was a bit hasty to label Scott’s effort “trust-based philanthropy.”
Community Knows What They Need
“So much of my role is acting as a translator between community and those controlling resources (myself included).” -Patricia Mejia
Connecting the Dots: Leveraging Trust-Based Practices in Environmental Grantmaking
Guest blogger Nina Lagpacan, Program Officer at Oceankind shares her trust-based journey and reflects on the six practices as a vehicle to inspire and transform philanthropy.
Learning Out Loud: Insights from our 2023 Grantmaker Survey
In January 2023, we launched the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s second annual grantmaker survey. We were thrilled to hear from almost 400 of you- over twice as many responses as last year! Thank you to every single person who took the time to respond to this year’s survey - we are truly grateful for the insights that your individual and collective feedback offers!
Trust-Based Learning & Evaluation: Lessons from the Fund for an Inclusive California
This is part two of a blog series developed in collaboration with the Fund for an Inclusive California (F4ICA), a trust-based collaborative fund dedicated to advancing community-driven solutions to housing justice across California.
Webinar Series: Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project is pleased to announce a six-part webinar series addressing common questions, clarifying misconceptions, and exploring ways to overcome obstacles in implementing trust-based philanthropy.
Seven Insights on Organizational Change for Trust-Based Philanthropy
Guest blogger, Andrew Spector takes a closer look at the level of trust between nonprofits, foundations, and beneficiaries. Why don’t many nonprofits trust beneficiaries more? Why don’t many foundations trust nonprofits more, and vice versa? What could all parties do to build and deepen trust with each other? How is this lack of trust limiting philanthropic impact?
Introducing Chantias Ford
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project was thrilled to welcome Chantias Ford to our team this year as the new Director of Programs. Chantias brings an abundance of skill, passion, and heart to the role. Get to know her more in the Q & A below.
Introducing Danielle LaJoie
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project was thrilled to welcome Danielle LaJoie to our team in January 2023 as Senior Manager of Partnerships & Programming. Danielle brings a long history in philanthropy to the role, dating back to her youth! Get to know her more in the Q & A below.
Introducing Eleni Refu
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project was thrilled to welcome Eleni Refu to our team this year as the new Senior Manager of Knowledge & Resources. Eleni brings a rich set of experiences and wisdom to the role. Get to know her more in the Q & A below.
Expanding Our Team to Meet the Moment
In our December 2022 newsletter, we confirmed that the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project still plans to wind down at the end of 2024. To be clear, this does not mean that the trust-based philanthropy movement is going away. We at the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project want to be responsible and intentional about how we support the next chapter of this movement.
Chipping Away at Trust-Based Org Change
“I want to tell my peers who resist trust-based shifts: the field is evolving, we need to stop talking about risk and start listening to what our nonprofit partners want and need. There’s sector change happening, and it’s both past-due and important work.” -Suzanne Geary