The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, in partnership with Philanthropy Missouri, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania, and New Mexico Association of Grantmakers, Philanthropy Colorado, and Connecticut Council on Philanthropy are pleased to announce a three-part virtual series on the values and practices of what it means to be a trust-based grantmaker.
As the challenges of the past year have illuminated, effective philanthropy relies on partnership, dialogue, and transparency with nonprofits and communities. It also requires grantmakers to reexamine traditional practices in service of a healthier and more equitable nonprofit sector.
But what does it take to embody this spirit of partnership in our work? What is the process of building trust and mutual accountability? What is the internal work required in order to be sure that we are building relationships centered on equity and power-awareness?
While the journey of trust-based philanthropy can be at times uncomfortable, for many trust-based grantmakers, this journey IS our work. Why? Because in addition to offering more space and flexibility for nonprofits to focus their time and resources where they are most needed, it also helps funders learn more deeply about the efforts that we support.
Join us for a summer learning series where we’ll unpack these benefits, dive deep into the six principles of trust-based philanthropy, and illuminate next steps in your trust-based philanthropy journey.
Each session will include 60 minutes of presentations and discussion, followed by 30-minute small group breakouts where you’ll get to discuss and determine next steps on your own trust-based journey.
Session #2: Unrestricted Funding, Doing the Homework, Streamlined Paperwork
Too often, foundations get in the way of the work nonprofits doing the work they know best. This can slow down progress, perpetuate inefficiencies, and obstruct nonprofit growth and innovation. Trust-based philanthropy reimagines that dynamic, advocating for six principles of grantmaking that are geared toward building partnership and mutual learning.
In this deep dive session, we will explore the nuts and bolts of the first three trust-based principles: 1) multi-year, unrestricted funding as a strategy to build long-term relationships and support nonprofit self-determination; 2) doing the homework to expand our understanding of the organizations and issues we support; and 3) simplifying and streamlining applications and reports in service of relational approaches that build trust and mutual accountability. Since there is no one-size-fits-all approach to these principles, this session will spotlight three foundation’s stories of embracing these principles -- including the steps they have taken to embrace these practices, how they’re bringing the staff and board along, and what they are learning as a result.
