Trust-based philanthropy (TBP) is an approach that addresses the inherent power imbalance between funders, partners, and the community. A trust-based approach advances equity, shifts power, and builds mutually accountable relationships. Central to trust-based philanthropy are six grantmaking practices that the Community Foundation is working to incorporate into our grantmaking. The nature of this work is ever-evolving and responsive. We welcome dialogue and input from our grant partners to help us better advance our mission of improving lives for all.
Our Trust-Based Philanthropy Practices
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Our strategic initiatives funding will award multi-year commitments for key priority areas.
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We do not prohibit repeat funding for projects or programs; previous grant partners are invited to come back for funding.
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We allow for general operating expenses to be included in project and program funding requests.
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Proactively engage with partners to understand their work and needs in the community.
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Conduct a Youth Needs Assessment every three years.
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Actively monitor needs and community data.
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Hold one-on-one calls with prospective applicants to discuss proposals and provide guidance on our grant process, helping them save time and prepare a more competitive application.
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Simplify the final report process and allow in-person/site-visit final reports in place of written reports.
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Continually review and assess our application to ensure we ask only for what is needed.
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Update grantmaking guidelines to be more clear and transparent about our process.
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Provide flexibility with grant extensions as needed.
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Respond urgently to crises that are emerging (COVID, ice storm, etc.)
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Regularly survey grant partners for feedback to inform process improvements.
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Provide multiple checkpoints for feedback and conversation (pre-grant call, conversations with unfunded applicants, survey, final report process, etc.)
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Provide high quality professional development opportunities such as Leadership Learning Lab, Certificate in Fundraising Management, and others based on grant partner needs.
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Serve as a thought-partner and connector to other resources and funders; connect partners with other nonprofits doing similar or related work.