Approaches to Implementing Trust-Based Philanthropy

In the Summer of 2025, five grantmakers explored how they could further evolve their trust-based philanthropy practices in a learning lab sponsored by Workforce Matters. Each organization was already implementing at least one of the six principles of trust-based philanthropy but wanted to dig deeper so they could do better and show up better for the communities they serve. What ensued over six sessions were candid conversations where each shared frustrations and challenges as well as examples and best practices. Over the course of the lab, participants realized that trust-based philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all approach but one that can be customized and implemented thoughtfully with sustainable and long-lasting benefits.

Drawing from the experiences of our learning lab participants, this blog provides an overview of trust-based philanthropy and practical tips on how to implement the six practices. 

What is trust-based philanthropy? 

Trust-based philanthropy came about as a concept in early 2000’s and was popularized and formalized by a San Francisco-based foundation – The Whitman Institute – in 2014. In 2020, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project was launched as a standalone organization with funding from The Whitman Institute and a few other foundations. Trust-based philanthropy focuses on addressing the power imbalance between the grantees and the grantmakers and encourages a more transparent and trust-based interaction between the two. There are six main practices of trust-based philanthropy that the Initiative encourages grantmakers to follow: 

1. Give multi-year, unrestricted funding 
2. Do the homework 
3. Simplify and streamline paperwork 
4. Be transparent and responsive 
5. Solicit and act on feedback 
6. Offer support beyond the check 

Practical Tips

Trust and Accountability

• Building trust takes time: Trust between two entities cannot develop overnight. It starts with building a relationship and then nurturing that relationship before two entities can start trusting each other. Even then, grantees will likely not trust grantmakers with their deepest organizational secrets, and that is OK. Start somewhere and go as far as both entities are comfortable. 

• Trust and accountability can coexist: Trust and accountability are not mutually exclusive. In fact, accountability is the bedrock of trust, and accountability has to go both ways between grantees and grantmakers. Accountability involves responsibility, answerability, and transparency that leads to open and honest communication. 

Slow and Assured

• Start slow: Start your journey toward trust-based philanthropy slowly but assuredly. There is no need to rush into implementing all facets of trust-based philanthropy at once. Assess your internal structures and willingness to make the change. Identify the speed at which you move, and go only as fast as everyone is comfortable. A false fast start can be damaging to your relationship and trust-building efforts. 
• Pick and choose what you can do easily: Out of the six practices of trust-based philanthropy, pick one practice you want to focus on and start shifting around that practice. Start with the one that’s easiest to achieve because you may already have the staff or board buy-in you need. Once you master it, choose the next one. It is easier to achieve practices that come naturally to the organization/team than those where there is significant pushback. Early successes can lead to big wins when you have to choose the tougher practices. 

Re-assess and Communicate

• Re-assess your grantmaking systems and requirements: Irrespective of whether you want to follow trust-based practices or not, periodically reassess your grantmaking strategy and identify ways to be more effective and efficient in your giving. For some, this may mean moving from an open call for proposals to a closed call for proposals or simplifying their intake processes to reduce grantee burden. 

• Communicate openly and transparently: Host annual open communication days where grantees can give feedback on what needs to change in your processes. Curate it as an opportunity for your grantees to assess you so you can improve your grantmaking practices. Be open to the constructive feedback you receive and transparent with your limitations and challenges. Demonstrate that you value the feedback and are open/transparent about the challenges you are facing. This is the first step to building trust. When you start taking your grantees and their recommendations seriously, they will start trusting you and be more willing to support you as you undergo changes in your organization to move towards trust-based practices. Your grantees will become your cheerleaders. 

Recognize, Address and Shift Power

• Acknowledge and address power dynamics: In any transactional relationship, power dynamics are often skewed in favor of the one who has money. Grantmaking is no different, as grantmakers hold the most power in the grantor-grantee relationship. Reconfiguring this lopsided power structure is not easy. The first step is acknowledging that there are power imbalances in this relationship. The second step is to be cognizant of the power you hold. And the third step is to start shifting this power. Shifting power means that you start redistributing power in an equitable manner. An example would be moving towards participatory grantmaking approaches that engage the community you intend to fund in grantmaking decisions. 

Resources:

1. To learn more about trust-based philanthropy, visit Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s website. 
2. Read how Surdna Foundation is centering trust and learning with its grantee partners in this article.
3. Understand what impact means in a trust-based philanthropy model in this report by Coop Foundation
4. If you are ready to give multi-year, flexible funding and recognize the importance of doing it now, sign the pledge to “meet the moment” and be part of a group of hundreds of donors and grantmakers who are standing in solidarity with nonprofits. 

Surabhi Jain is a systems-change-focused social impact consultant helping non-profit and philanthropic institutions bring their big, bold, catalytic ideas to life. She helps philanthropic institutions implement trust-based and equitable grantmaking practices. And supports non-profit institutions with organizational, leadership, and program development.