TRUST-BASED PHILANTHROPY
A new approach to giving
The complexity of change and the role of philanthropy
Many of today’s social challenges are complex and interconnected. They do not stem from a single cause: the factors driving them are intertwined and continue to evolve over time, influencing one another. Addressing these challenges therefore requires a deep understanding of local contexts, collaboration among different actors and a willingness among all stakeholders to learn and adjust course along the way. In other words, it requires the ability to embrace complexity, listen and act within it.
In this context, transformative philanthropy aims to support organizations working to address complex social challenges. In philanthropy, what matters is not only the availability of resources, essential as they are, but also how those resources are shared with organizations. Different approaches to funding and support can either strengthen or hinder their ability to address complex issues. This is why philanthropy must reflect on the consequences of its own practices.
This is where trust-based philanthropy begins
In response to this complexity, trust-based philanthropy proposes making trust a guiding principle in philanthropic relationships. In this sense, trust is more than a value to uphold: it is an essential resource for building relationships that are both strong and flexible, where funders and organizations can bring their expertise together while respecting their respective roles.
When trust is mutual, it becomes easier to share information, challenges and unexpected developments openly, learn together and adapt decisions to emerging needs. Trust therefore makes it possible to support change without expecting to predict every step, while recognizing new opportunities along the way and creating a safe space to experiment and learn from mistakes.
What is trust-based philanthropy?
It is an approach to philanthropy that aims to reduce traditional power imbalances between funders and the organizations they support (see the CEP’s report Relationships Matter). It is not about reversing roles, but about recognizing the value and expertise of both parties and building a relationship grounded in mutual trust.
The approach promotes concrete practices, including flexible, multi-year funding, reducing the administrative burden associated with grant applications and reporting, transparent communication, and trust-based support that extends beyond funding. The Trust-Based Philanthropy Project has helped codify and promote these practices, with the broader aim of reshaping the culture and decision-making processes of philanthropy.
Wisedāna Foundation embraces this approach because we believe in philanthropy that goes beyond funding, offering attentive listening, expertise and meaningful connections to work alongside organizations in creating the conditions for deep and lasting change.
Would you like to explore trust-based philanthropy with us?
WHY TRUST?
Because it enables donors and organizations to work together more effectively, recognizing the expertise each brings. Trust is not a leap of faith, but a process that develops over time through experience and mutual recognition of each other’s roles.
Funders trust the experience and expertise of organizations and support their autonomy. Organizations, in turn, can rely on funders who are reliable, transparent and open to dialogue.
This relationship, grounded in mutual trust and accountability, enables both parties to learn together, make more informed decisions, and adapt their work to emerging needs.
Explore the core practices
The Trust for Change experience
Through Trust for Change, Wisedāna translates the principles of trust-based philanthropy into a multi-year philanthropic support program. The Foundation oversees every stage of its development and works closely with participating organizations through ongoing dialogue that values their expertise and actively engages the funder.
The initiative aims to strengthen organizations’ ability to pursue their missions. Through a rigorous selection process and relationships grounded in mutual trust among Wisedāna, the funder and participating organizations, Trust for Change seeks to create the conditions to address complex social challenges together. The program is funded through the Italian Buddhist Union’s funds.
One year after its launch, VITA magazine published an article about the Program, highlighting the role of trust in relationships between funders and organizations.
RESEARCH
Organizations are identified through an active, intentional and noncompetitive search process that recognizes their experience and potential to drive change.
RELATIONSHIPS
Ongoing support through individual meetings and group workshops help build trust, foster dialogue and encourage mutual learning over time.
AUTONOMY
The three-year grants are not tied to specific projects, giving organizations the freedom to allocate resources according to their own priorities.
LEARNING
Through new tools for observing and evaluating change, organizations learn to understand developments and independently shape their own strategies.
Readings and resources
KEY REFERENCES
- Trust-Based Philanthropy Project | The Origins of Trust-Based Philanthropy: An Interview with Pia Infante
- Shaady Salehi, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project | Trust-Based Philanthropy Was Never Just About the Practices
- Chera Reid e Shaady Salehi, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project e Center for Evaluation Innovation | Toward a Trust-Based Framework for Learning and Evaluation
- Center for Effective Philanthropy | Relationships Matter: Program Officers, Grantees, and the Keys to Success
- Center for Effective Philanthropy | Breaking the Mold: The Transformative Effect of MacKenzie Scott’s Big Gifts
- Philea | Beyond Trust: How Philanthropy Should Move Towards More Flexible Funding to Maximise Impact
OUR PERSPECTIVE
- Wisedāna Foundation | Intentional trust as a philanthropic approach
- Wisedāna Foundation | Trust and oversight in philanthropic relationships