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 principles of trust-based philanthropy and how they go hand in hand with reimagining our roles as learning partners rather than compliance officers.
This will be offered as a virtual meeting. Connection details will be shared after registration.
This session is the first in a three-part series on the values and practices of what it means to be a trust-based grantmaker, developed for Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania members, in partnership with The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, along with Philanthropy Missouri, Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington, and New Mexico Association of Grantmakers
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 with our own regional colleagues, during which you’ll get to discuss and determine next steps on your own trust-based journey.
Click here to register for session two.
Click here to register for session three.
We are committed to making GWP programs accessible to all members. If you have questions, or if an accommodation would be helpful to fully participate in this program, please reach out to Paula or call 412-471-6488 and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.