Grantmaking Operations with a Trust-Based Lens

Historically, grantmaking systems and operations have been designed with a specific customer in mind: the grantmaker. Trust-based philanthropy invites users to approach grantmaking operations with a different customer in mind: the grantseeker.

This simple shift in focus can help foundation staff rethink the role of grantmaking operations and technologies so that they can facilitate greater trust and relationship-building with grant partners.

This guide, along with the corresponding resources listed, will help funders set the stage for grantmaking operations that place grant partners at the center and support the six trust-based philanthropic practices.