Trust-Based Philanthropy Values
As grantmakers, we have a responsibility to acknowledge and confront the reality that philanthropy has often contributed to systemic inequities, both in the ways wealth is accumulated and in the ways its dissemination is controlled.
While these discussions may be difficult, this type of self-reflection is fundamental to the work of trust-based philanthropy. As individuals and institutions, we must be willing to examine our own relationships to power, and be willing to give up some control in a spirit of service and collaboration with those who are closer to the issues at hand.
As trust-based practitioners, being clear on values helps you make decisions through moments of uncertainty or change, guides your relationship-building with grantee partners, and fosters internal alignment among your staff and board. Clarifying and aligning internal values is where much of the work lives. Trust-based values are rooted in a commitment to redistributing power in service of a healthier and more equitable society.
While there’s not a one-size-fits-all set of values, the following values have been central to the work and approach of a range of trust-based funders:
Work for systemic equity: Recognize the racial, economic, and political inequities in which we operate, and take an antiracist approach to change practices and behaviors that perpetuate harm.
Redistribute power: Be willing to share power with grantee partners and communities who are closer to the issues we seek to address.
Center relationships: Prioritizing healthy, open, honest relationships can help us navigate the complexity of our work and our world with greater confidence and effectiveness.
Partner in a spirit of service: Be a supporter and collaborator, rather than dictating what is needed. Lead with trust, respect, and humility.
Be accountable: Our work will only be successful if we hold ourselves accountable to those who we seek to support.
Embrace learning: We can only advance impact if we remain open to learning as we go, and embrace opportunities for growth and evolution along the way.
Related Tools & Perspectives
Resource: Strategies for Aligning Practices and Values
Grantmaking practices matter. PEAK Grantmaking’s step-by-step guide helps funders connect practice and values to walk the talk and propel their missions. CONTINUE TO RESOURCE
Blog: Making Values Work for Teams
In building Headwaters Foundation from the ground up, Brenda Solorzano led with the premise that values should shape strategy. In this interview, Solorzano shares that, “rather than thinking about a values statement as a problem to solve… (it’s) about the culture we are trying to build.” READ THE BLOG
Blog: A New, and Unexpected, Perspective on Values
Weissberg Foundation’s executive director Hanh Le reflects on how Katy Perry helped her board spark reflective thinking about values and goals. READ THE BLOG