6-Part Series: Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy

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Written By Trust-Based Philanthropy Project

Trust-based philanthropy is a philosophy and approach rooted in values of relationship-building, mutual learning, and systemic equity – with a vision of advancing a healthier and more impactful nonprofit sector. While this approach is generally associated with six core grantmaking practices such as multi-year unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork, the day-to-day work of trust-based philanthropy is very nuanced and dynamic. In fact, funders who have embraced this approach are finding that it requires ongoing self-reflection and rigor with regards to how they think about – and evolve – many of the deeply embedded practices and assumptions of traditional philanthropy.

Given these nuances, it is not surprising that there are many questions and occasional misperceptions about what it actually means to embody trust-based philanthropy in practice. In this 6-part webinar series, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project explores some of the most commonly asked questions and the underlying misperceptions that may be roadblocks to understanding and operationalizing trust-based philanthropy.

Each session in the series focuses on a frequently asked question from the field, and features perspectives from foundation leaders and others who have grappled with similar or related questions.

Session #1: Does Trust-Based Philanthropy Mean Unconditional Trust? 

There is a common misperception that trust-based philanthropy is about trusting nonprofits unconditionally. In reality, a trust-based approach uses trust as a gateway to rightsize power imbalances between funders and grantees, in order to facilitate deeper, more transparent relationships. With an intentional priority on relationships over transactions, trust-based philanthropy creates conditions for mutual accountability in the funder-grantee relationship.

In this session, we clarify the misperception that trust-based philanthropy means unconditional trust, and dig into the nuances of why trust is an important vehicle for more equitable funder-grantee relationships. Speakers share how they have cultivated (and maintained) trust, how they model and reinforce mutual accountability in a trust-based way, and how they have worked through challenging moments when trust breaks down. 

Featured Speakers

This webinar was hosted on Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?

There is a misperception that giving unrestricted funding is an automatic qualifier to being a trust-based funder. There is a distinction between the two, and it is possible to give unrestricted funding in a way that is inconsistent with trust-based values. Likewise, it is inaccurate to reduce trust-based philanthropy to unrestricted funding alone. A truly trust-based approach to grantmaking is about being mindful and responsive to grantee needs, and deploying resources in a way that supports their long-term health and success.

In this session, we unpack the difference between unrestricted funding that is deployed in a trust-based way, and what it looks like when it’s not. We also share case studies from funders who have shifted from project-specific to majority unrestricted funding, as well as those who have embedded trust-based values within semi-restricted grants. In this session, we gain clarity on the philosophy behind unrestricted funding in a trust-based context, and strategies for aligning trust-based values with the way grants are structured and deployed.

Featured Speakers:

This webinar was hosted on Thursday, May 11, 2023

Session #3: How Do We Approach Risk and Due Diligence in Trust-Based Philanthropy?

There is a misperception that there is little due diligence conducted in trust-based philanthropy. A trust-based due diligence process does exist – and it encourages funders to reframe how they characterize and react to “risk”— moving from scrutinizing organizations’ budgets and governance, towards a deeper assessment of values-alignment and ways to support organizations’ capacity for impact.

In this session, we explore the notion of risk – and how to reframe our understanding and analysis of risk to consider the reciprocal nature of the funder-grantee relationship. We hear from funders who have implemented trust-based values and practices in their due diligence process, and have identified ways to bridge the gap between donor/board desires and grantee needs. 

Featured Speakers:

This webinar was hosted on Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Session #4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-Based Philanthropy?

There is a misperception that trust-based philanthropy’s shift away from project-specific grants and lengthy written reports will inherently diminish any sense of accountability from grant recipients. In reality, trust-based philanthropy focuses on creating conditions for mutual accountability between funders and nonprofits, which actually allows for a deeper sense of honesty and transparency than in a traditional context.

This session explores some of the underlying questions and concerns around accountability in philanthropy, and offers insights from funders who have benefited from embracing trust-based philanthropy with a lens of mutual accountability. 

Featured Speakers:

This webinar was hosted on Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Session #5: What Does Evaluation Look Like in a Trust-Based Context?

There is a misperception that trust-based philanthropy is at odds with rigorous impact evaluation because of its focus on relationships over project-specific metrics. Trust-based evaluation is indeed rigorous, but it differs from the sector standard in that it prioritizes a learning stance over a proving stance. This ultimately helps illuminate a more nuanced understanding of the barriers and catalyzers of social change, as well as useful information that can help grantmakers improve their strategies toward advancing impact.

In this session, we unpack these important nuances and highlight examples of how grantmakers are relying on rigor and continuous learning to understand impact. We gain a clear understanding of trust-based philanthropy’s three-pronged approach to learning and evaluation, as well as concrete tools available to implement in your own work.

Featured Speakers:

This webinar was hosted on Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Session #6: What Does Racial Equity Have To Do With Trust-Based Philanthropy?

There are various misunderstandings when it comes to trust-based philanthropy’s interconnection with racial equity. Some critics claim that trust-based philanthropy perpetuates bias because it favors those who already have an “in” with funders. Other interpretations swing in the opposite direction, assuming that embracing trust-based practices is sufficient for advancing racial equity.

At its core, trust-based philanthropy begins with understanding power -- and acknowledging how race and ethnicity shape our lived experiences and our relationship to power, and therefore perceptions of who is deemed trustworthy and who is not. Therefore, trust-based philanthropy requires a racial equity lens – and can be an effective way to advance racial equity goals – but it is not necessarily a means to advancing racial equity in and of itself. This session explores the connection and distinction between the two, and why both should be prioritized for trust-based funders. We gain a deeper knowledge on why and how to explicitly prioritize racial equity in your trust-based practices and values.

Featured Speakers:

This webinar was hosted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023

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