Trust-based philanthropy is becoming a widely recognized approach in our sector, with more and more funders embracing trust-based practices such as multiyear unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork. While these principles are essential components of a trust-based approach, a fully embodied practice of trust-based philanthropy requires a much deeper and persistent examination of how power shows up both interpersonally and systemically. This includes confronting the white supremacist norms that have shaped and influenced our sector, and how they have shaped our understanding of who is deemed trustworthy, and who is not.
Join Philanthropy Massachusetts and the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project as we unpack these ideas and explore a series of questions about how power shows up in our work. How are we subconsciously perpetuating power imbalances and white supremacy in our day-to-day work? How does this affect our grantee relationships, and how does that inhibit our ability to learn, grow, and advance impact? What steps can funders take to more intentionally address these deeply ingrained power imbalances? And how can foundation executives and boards proactively build a culture and practice that is equitable, power-aware, and trust-based?
Speakers will share their personal stories of how they have navigated these questions, along with the pitfalls and learnings along the way. Participants can expect to walk away with a deeper understanding of the intersection of power, race, and trust, as well as practical steps to shift the norm toward a more equitable, impactful, and trust-based sector.
This session is part of Philanthropy Massachusetts’ Power & Equity series of programming.
About our Speakers:
Pia Infante, Co-Executive Director, The Whitman Institute
Pia believes we have the collective imagination and power to redesign philanthropy to center the people we serve. Philippine-born, California-grown, and queer, oldest daughter in an immigrant family, Pia navigates difference to broker connection. Pia brings her chops as a former high school teacher, organizational development consultant, and nonprofit manager to her work. Pia is a nationally recognized advocate for trust-based philanthropy and radically embodied leadership. She chairs the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project steering committee and serves on the board of MediaJustice.org. Pia is visiting faculty at the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment, and speaks and teaches in many settings. She holds a M.A. in Education from the New School for Social Research, and a B.A. in Rhetoric from The University of California at Berkeley. Pia is a proud long time resident of Oakland, CA.
More speaker information to come!
Zoom information will be sent via email in advance of the session.