The Purpose, Culture, & Values of Trust-Based Philanthropy
Trust-Based Philanthropy Virtual Summer Learning Series
June 8, July 20, Sept 14 10:00 - 11:30 am Pacific Time
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 are pleased to announce a three-part virtual series on the values and practices of what it means to be a trust-based grantmaker.
Session #1: The Purpose, Culture, & Values of Trust-Based Philanthropy
Trust-based philanthropy is much more than unrestricted grants and streamlined paperwork. At its core, this approach is fundamentally about recognizing and addressing power imbalances in service of a healthier, more equitable, and more impactful nonprofit sector. This requires a commitment to relationships based on transparency and mutual learning -- both internally within our organizations and externally with our grantee partners. For many funders, this culture-building is the work of trust-based philanthropy.
In this session, we’ll explore why trust-based philanthropy is trending, the fundamental values that undergird this approach, and the roles of staff and board in cultivating the culture of trust that is required in order to make this work successful. We will also preview the six grantmaking principles of trust-based philanthropy and how they go hand in hand with reimagining our roles as learning partners rather than compliance officers.
About the Series
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.
Events in This Series
June 8: Session #1: The Purpose, Culture, & Values of Trust-Based Philanthropy
July 20: Session #2: Unrestricted Funding, Doing the Homework, Streamlined Paperwork
September 14: Session #3: Transparent Communication, Soliciting Feedback, and Support Beyond the Check