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.
An Organizer-Turned-Funder Reimagines the Status Quo
“We need to change how we think about those who control the wealth and resources and those leading the work to achieve systemic change and racial justice.” -Isabel Sousa Rodriguez
Committing to Trust-Based Philanthropy Holds Us Accountable
“Once you publicly say you’re doing trust-based philanthropy, it puts you on the hook for really doing it.” -Stacey Faella
We Can’t Sit Content In A Broken System
“How do we center the importance of trust without centering ourselves in the power dynamic that comes with being the funder?” -Mailee Walker & Andrea Bretting
We’re About Building Relationships, Not Creating Barriers
“We started out by thinking about how everything we did should focus on building relationships rooted in trust.” -Ashley Clark
Not Your Typical Family Foundation
“Our affinity with our grantee partners, with different histories but similar experiences of injustice, has made building trust more possible.” -A. Sparks
The Easiest Way to Shift Practice is to Lean on Values
“Shouldn’t we trust the people doing the work to know how to get us there? Why are we the ones deciding which issues are most important?” -Dimple Abichandani
We Can’t Achieve Impact Without Investing in Relationships
“What does our internal culture need to feel like to do this work together? It needs to feel like everyone’s voice is heard.” -Sarah Walczyk
That Moment When You Realize the Rules Are Made Up
“When we approach mistakes with a spirit of humility and curiosity, that’s where the trust comes in.” -Carrie Avery