This is the first webinar of a 2-part series hosted in partnership with Arizona Grantmakers' Forum. Registration is free and open to all.

There is a values-to-practice gap in traditional philanthropy. Many foundations do their work in the name of building community, advancing equity, and increasing opportunity – however our sector’s most common grantmaking practices rarely reflect those values. Project-restricted grants, unclear grant guidelines, lengthy paperwork requirements, and unrealistic impact measures have come to be the status quo, with little regard for the expertise of the nonprofits we support. Not only does this perpetuate a top-down power dynamic that makes it virtually impossible to build trust and transparency; it also obstructs nonprofits’ ability to innovate, grow, and achieve their intended impact.

Trust-based philanthropy offers a different approach, rooted in leading with trust rather than distrust, respecting the time and expertise of nonprofit partners, and prioritizing relationship-building and mutual learning over scrutiny and transaction. In this session, we will explore the potential and possibilities of a trust-based approach, and the six grantmaking practices that help advance a healthier and more equitable nonprofit sector: 1) multiyear unrestricted funding, 2) doing the homework, 3) simplifying and streamlining paperwork, 4) being transparent and responsive, 5) soliciting and acting on feedback, and 6) offering support beyond the check. We’ll hear concrete examples from foundation leaders that have operationalized these practices, as they share the details of transformation, their learnings along the way, and their approach to bringing along staff and boards on this journey.

Speakers

• Sarah Walczyk, Executive Director, Satterberg Foundation

• Amalia Luxardo, CEO, Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona

• Jeaiza Quinones Ivory, Director of Community Investments, Community Foundation For Southern Arizona

• Shaady Salehi, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project (moderator)