Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?

Curious about trust-based philanthropy and if it applies to your work? Have you started applying the principles and encountered challenges? Are you concerned about parts of the model?

PhilMO is pleased to partner Trust-Based Philanthropy Project for a six-part webinar 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, the day-to-day work is nuanced and dynamic and requires rigorous self-reflection.

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:

1) a deeper and more nuanced understanding of the underlying cultural philosophy of trust-based philanthropy;

2) tips for how to think about and approach these nuances in their own work; and

3) talking points for how to answer these FAQs when they come up from colleagues or peers.

Who should attend? Grantmakers and philanthropic leaders curious about the nuances of applying trust-based philanthropy principles. 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.

What's the format? Please expect large-group content followed by a PhilMO-facilitated discussion with Missouri funders for peer dialogue about the session's learnings and discuss local implementation experiences and questions.

How do I prepare? While no pre-work is required to participate, a few resources that may be helpful to review include: TBP in 4-D, Six Practices Guide, and Skeptic's Corner FAQs.

Session #2: Does Unrestricted Funding Automatically Make a Funder Trust-Based?

Thursday, May 11, 2023, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM Central Time

In this session, we will 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.

When registering, Members and non-Member Missouri funders should indicate "Philanthropy Missouri" when asked to share affiliation with a philanthropy-serving organization (PSO). This will place you in the Missouri breakout room.