Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy: Session 6

There are various misunderstandings when it comes to trust-based philanthropy’s interconnection with racial equity. Some critics claim that trust-based philanthropy perpetuates bias because it favors those who already have an “in” with funders. Other interpretations swing in the opposite direction, assuming that embracing trust-based practices is sufficient for advancing racial equity. At its core, trust-based philanthropy begins with understanding power – and acknowledging how race and ethnicity shape our lived experiences and our relationship to power, and therefore perceptions of who is deemed trustworthy and who is not. Therefore, trust-based philanthropy requires a racial equity lens – and can be an effective way to advance racial equity goals – but it is not necessarily a means to advancing racial equity in and of itself.

This session will explore the connection and distinction between the two, and why both should be prioritized for trust-based funders. Participants will gain a deeper knowledge on why and how to explicitly prioritize racial equity in your trust-based practices and values.