Webinar Series: Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy
A Webinar Series Addressing Common Questions & Misperceptions
The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, in partnership with the Connecticut Council on Philanthropy, is pleased to announce a six-part virtual series addressing common questions, clarifying misconceptions, and exploring ways to overcome obstacles in implementing trust-based philanthropy.
Trust-based philanthropy is a philosophy and approach rooted in values of relationship-building, mutual learning, and systemic equity – with a vision of advancing a healthier and more impactful nonprofit sector. While this approach is generally associated with six core grantmaking practices such as multi-year unrestricted funding and streamlined paperwork, the day-to-day work of trust-based philanthropy is very nuanced and dynamic. In fact, funders who have embraced this approach are finding that it requires ongoing self-reflection and rigor with regards to how they think about – and evolve – many of the deeply embedded practices and assumptions of traditional philanthropy.
Given these nuances, it is not surprising that there are many questions and occasional misperceptions about what it actually means to embody trust-based philanthropy in practice. In this 6-part webinar series, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project will explore some of the most commonly asked questions and the underlying misperceptions that may be roadblocks to understanding and operationalizing trust-based philanthropy.
Each session in the series will focus on a frequently asked question from the field, and will feature perspectives from foundation leaders and others who have grappled with similar or related questions.
At the end of each session, participants will walk away with:
- a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the underlying cultural philosophy of trust-based philanthropy
- tips for how to think about and approach these nuances in their own work
- talking points for how to answer these FAQs when they come up from colleagues or peers.
Each session will also provide dedicated space for small-group peer dialogue about ways to implement these practices into your grantmaking.
Sessions include:
- Session 1: Does Trust-Based Philanthropy Mean Unconditional Trust?; April 19, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Session 2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?; May 11, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Session 3: How Do We Approach Risk and Due Diligence in Trust-Based Philanthropy?; May 31, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Session 4: What Does Grantee Accountability Look Like in Trust-Based Philanthropy?; June 14, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Session 5: What Does Evaluation Look Like in a Trust-Based Context?; July 12, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
- Session 6: What Does Trust-Based Philanthropy Have to Do With Racial Equity?; August 2, 2023; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. (EST)
Who should attend: Anyone in a grantmaking role that is curious about understanding the nuances of trust-based philanthropy and how it applies to your work. This series will be ideal for those who have some baseline familiarity with trust-based philanthropy and have questions about how it manifests in practice.
Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?
Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 3-5:00 PM ET
There is a misperception that giving unrestricted funding is an automatic qualifier to being a trust-based funder. There is a distinction between the two, and it is possible to give unrestricted funding in a way that is inconsistent with trust-based values. Likewise, it is inaccurate to reduce trust-based philanthropy to unrestricted funding alone. A truly trust-based approach to grantmaking is about being mindful and responsive to grantee needs, and deploying resources in a way that supports their long-term health and success.
In this session, we’ll unpack the difference between unrestricted funding that is deployed in a trust-based way, and what it looks like when it’s not. We’ll also share case studies from funders who have shifted from project-specific to majority unrestricted funding, as well as those who have embedded trust-based values within semi-restricted grants. Participants can expect to gain greater clarity on the philosophy behind unrestricted funding in a trust-based context, and strategies for aligning trust-based values with the way grants are structured and deployed.
Information and how to register:
Each session will include a 60-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes of facilitated debrief and connection in a breakout space dedicated to CCP members. The sessions are designed to be stand-alone or you can take all three if you choose. As a CCP member, there is no cost to you.
To register, click on the individual session links above or the registration link above for more information on each session. Make sure to choose Connecticut Council for Philanthropy as your affiliated PSO in the registration.
This program is for CCP member organizations. If you have questions about this program or registration, please contact Annie Adams, program manager, aadams@ctphilanthropy.org