Trust-Based Blog

Reimagining philanthropy begins with learning out loud.

By sharing ideas, with curiosity and humility, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project blog features trust-based grantmakers who talk about their own lessons, questions, and aha-moments along their power-sharing journeys.

Julio Marcial 10/6/22 Julio Marcial 10/6/22

When We Relinquish Power, Communities Are Better Off

“We can use our privilege to maintain the status quo, or create on-ramps to thriving communities and collective power.” -Julio Marcial

Isabel Sousa-Rodriguez 10/6/22 Isabel Sousa-Rodriguez 10/6/22

An Organizer-Turned-Funder Reimagines the Status Quo

“We need to change how we think about those who control the wealth and resources and those leading the work to achieve systemic change and racial justice.” -Isabel Sousa Rodriguez

Solomé Lemma 10/6/22 Solomé Lemma 10/6/22

Trust Is a Process, Not a Destination

“Walking with our partners towards their self-determined goals means moving with mutual accountability.” -Solomé Lemma

Trust-Based Philanthropy Project 2/8/22 Trust-Based Philanthropy Project 2/8/22

Pandemic Inspires Radical Reimagination … and Fewer Restrictions

“Losing the restrictions on our grants doesn’t mean losing our ability to track the impact of our grant recipients.” -Rehana Farrell, Lauren Elicks McCort, & Taylor Wright

Liz Dozier 9/17/21 Liz Dozier 9/17/21

Let’s Talk About Trust ... And Racism

“We need to be conscious about where our trust (and distrust) are coming from, or we will distribute the benefits of this work inequitably.” -Liz Dozier

Guest User 8/1/21 Guest User 8/1/21

Trustees: Are You Building Trust or Are You Thwarting It?

“Until we address governance within philanthropy and try or demand that trust-based approaches be part of governance, philanthropy cannot change.” -Anonymous Storyteller

Pamela Ross 6/16/21 Pamela Ross 6/16/21

Let’s Invest in Fullness, Vibrance, and Joy

“I want funders to start investing in efforts that aren’t just about systems change, but about quality of life.” -Pamela Ross

Brittney Gaspari 6/13/21 Brittney Gaspari 6/13/21

The Joy of Co-Learning and Mutual Accountability

“Satisfaction has never been higher on our program team. With more access to connection, value, and depth, we are more rewarded in our work than ever.” -Brittney Gaspari

Trust-Based Philanthropy Project 6/9/21 Trust-Based Philanthropy Project 6/9/21

Trust-Based Philanthropy as a Bridge to Equity

“What does it mean when you are trying to build trust when there is a racialized history of distrust within philanthropy?” -Anonymous Storyteller