Why Jolley Foundation Embraces Trust-Based Philanthropy and You Should Too

We recently joined Greater Good Greenville in a seminar to discuss the benefits of trust-based philanthropy. As we have evolved in our work, this philosophy has informed the way we show up and invest in our community partners. While we continue the journey in our learning and implementation, we are occasionally asked just what we are trying to do. We hope that the summary below provides a useful introduction to the concept and encourages you to learn more.

How Trust-Based Philanthropy Advances Equity

Over the last decade, the philanthropic sector has witnessed a growing call for change – not just in what we fund, but in how we fund. Trust-based philanthropy has emerged as a transformative approach that reimagines the traditional power dynamics between funders and grantees. By prioritizing relationships, flexibility, and trust, this model is uniquely positioned to advance equity and create more impactful systemic change.

Understanding Trust-Based Philanthropy

At its core, trust-based philanthropy seeks to address the inherent power imbalances between funders and the organizations they support. Traditional philanthropic models often involve extensive application processes, burdensome reporting requirements, and rigid grant structures. These practices can inadvertently perpetuate inequities by favoring well-resourced organizations with the capacity to navigate these barriers, leaving smaller, community-led initiatives, which are often those most aligned with equity goals, at a disadvantage.

In contrast, trust-based philanthropy is built on six core principles:

1. Giving multi-year, unrestricted funding.
2. Grantor’s taking more responsibility for relationship building.
3. Streamlining paperwork and reporting.
4. Being transparent and responsive.
5. Soliciting and acting on feedback.
6. Offering support beyond the check.

By removing unnecessary hurdles and shifting decision-making power closer to the communities served, this approach empowers organizations to focus on their missions rather than administrative burdens.

Advancing Equity Through Trust-Based Practices

1. Centering Communities and Lived Expertise. Trust-based philanthropy recognizes that those closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. By funding organizations led by and serving historically marginalized communities, and by deferring to their expertise, funders can ensure that resources reach the people and places that need them most. This approach helps to dismantle top-down, paternalistic decision-making that has historically excluded these voices.
2. Reducing Barriers for Grassroots Organizations Traditional grant processes often favor well-established organizations with professional grant writers and administrative infrastructure. Trust-based philanthropy levels the playing field by simplifying application and reporting requirements. This creates opportunities for grassroots organizations, which are often led by women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups, to access funding.
3. Addressing Power Imbalances A key tenet of equity is the redistribution of power. Trust-based philanthropy acknowledges the inherent privilege of funders and actively works to share power with grantees. This could mean involving grantees in decision-making processes, creating feedback loops, or simply stepping back to let communities lead. By doing so, funders help to build a more equitable and collaborative philanthropic ecosystem.
4. Providing Flexible, Long-Term Support Equity-focused work is inherently complex and long-term. Multi-year, unrestricted funding provides organizations with the stability and autonomy to adapt to changing circumstances, innovate, and address root causes rather than symptoms. This flexibility is particularly crucial for organizations working to address systemic inequities, which require sustained effort and resilience.

Challenges and Opportunities

Embracing trust-based philanthropy is not without its challenges. It requires funders to let go of control, challenge their own biases, and adopt a mindset of humility and learning. It also calls for significant shifts in institutional culture and practices, which can be difficult for organizations accustomed to traditional grantmaking models.

However, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. By adopting trust-based principles, funders can build deeper, more authentic relationships with grantees, catalyze transformative change, and contribute to a more equitable society. Importantly, this approach aligns with the growing recognition that philanthropy must do more than write checks—it must actively work to dismantle the systems of oppression and inequality that have shaped our world.