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.
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
We’re About Building Relationships, Not Creating Barriers
“We started out by thinking about how everything we did should focus on building relationships rooted in trust.” -Ashley Clark
Our Sector Has an Imperative to Repair Harm
“Philanthropy’s imperative for transformation requires us to repair the harm we have caused as a sector.” -Gabriela Alcalde
Onboarding the Loyal Skeptic(s) on My Board
“As we became more public about trust-based philanthropy, our board raised critical questions that made me wonder if they were fully bought in.” -Pia Infante
Baby Steps: A Community Foundation’s Transformation
“When we move in a different way that honors their time, experience and capacities, our grantee partners see new possibilities in our work together.” -Heather Peeler
The Power of Giving Up Power
“When I gave up some of my own personal power, we became a more powerful organization.” -John Esterle
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
We Can’t Achieve Impact Without Investing in Relationships
“What does our internal culture need to feel like to do this work together? It needs to feel like everyone’s voice is heard.” -Sarah Walczyk