KruShan Foundation practices trust-based philanthropy, which means we conduct our due diligence without imposing onerous requirements on potential partners that take time away from their work on programs.
One potential grantee contacted us to determine what kind of presentation we required before an initial meeting. We were horrified at the prospect of an organization devoting a whole day to creating a bespoke presentation. That’s time better spent on programs.
Too often, foundations get in the way of nonprofits doing the work they know best. This can slow down progress, perpetuate inefficiency, and obstruct nonprofit growth and innovation. Moreover, it creates a top-down power dynamic that makes it virtually impossible to build honest, transparent, mutually accountable relationships.
Trust-based philanthropy reimagines that dynamic, advocating for a concrete set of six grantmaking practices that, when practiced together, contribute to more just and equitable funder-grantee relationships. The organizations we work with are true partners, and we’ve made lasting friendships.
- Give multi-year unrestricted funding. The work of nonprofits is long-term and unpredictable. Multi-year, unrestricted funding allows our partners the flexibility to assess and determine where grant dollars are most needed and allows for innovation, emergent action, and sustainability.
- Do the homework. Oftentimes, nonprofits have to jump through countless hoops just to be invited to submit a proposal. Trust-based philanthropy moves the onus to us as grantmakers, making it our responsibility to get to know prospective grantees, saving nonprofits’ time in the early stages of the vetting process.
- Simplify and streamline paperwork. Nonprofits spend an inordinate amount of time on funder-driven applications and reports, which can distract them from their mission-critical work. Streamlined approaches focused on dialogue, and learning can pave the way for deeper relationships and mutual accountability.
- Be transparent and responsive. Open, honest, and transparent communication supports relationships rooted in trust and mutual accountability. When we model vulnerability and power consciousness, it signals to our partners that they can show up more fully.
- Solicit and act on feedback. Philanthropy doesn’t have all the answers. Partners and communities provide valuable perspectives that can inform our strategy and approach, inherently making our work more successful in the long run.
- Offer support beyond the check. Responsive, adaptive, non-monetary support bolsters leadership, capacity, and organizational health. This is especially critical for organizations that have historically gone without the same access to networks or level of support as their more established peers. We actively support our partners on social media channels, have regular Zoom meetings and email dialogues, and travel to South Africa for site visits, where we often roll up our sleeves and help our partners work directly with African penguins.
We don’t normally accept unsolicited grant applications.