When Trust Carries Weight: Trust-Based Philanthropy in Practice

Trust-based philanthropy has gained traction as funders look to build deeper, more effective relationships with grantees. But it also raises questions about how trust can be built in day-to-day interactions, while maintaining accountability to impact and sharing responsibility when power shifts.

This workshop focuses on what trust-based approaches look like in practice, and the conditions under which they strengthen both relationships and outcomes.

Through practical discussion and shared experience, participants will examine how funders and grantees navigate the balance between trust and rigour, flexibility and responsibility. The session will surface how transparency, consistency, and realistic expectations shape working relationships over time, and how changes in funding structure and process can create space for stronger partnerships, learning journeys, and enduring impact.