The 6 Grantmaking Practices of Trust-Based Philanthropy

Too often, foundations get in the way of nonprofits doing the work they know best. This can slow down progress, perpetuate inequities, and obstruct nonprofit growth and innovation. Trust-based philanthropy reimagines that dynamic, building a world in which funders authentically partner with grantees in a spirit of service.

How to Use this Guide: While this guide offers insights and practical recommendations on shifting from traditional to trust-based grantmaking, it’s important to note that trust-based philanthropy encompasses the whole of an organization’s work. This approach invites funders to rely on trust-based values to shape not only grantmaking practices, but also culture, structures, and leadership. The Trust-Based Philanthropy in 4D resource offers guidance for cultivating trust-based philanthropy holistically across these four dimensions.