Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning Cohort
If you’re a senior leader in philanthropy interested in the opportunities, limits, and next frontiers of a trust-based approach to philanthropic impact, this learning cohort is for you. Candidly unpack tensions and refine your knowledge of trust-based concepts, determine how they can be integrated into your organization’s culture and practices, and discuss what’s next for trust-based philanthropy supported by data-driven expertise and alongside a deeply experienced peer-group.
Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning Cohort
Informed by emerging case examples and CEP’s decades of research on the drivers of effective grantmaking, this Learning Cohort will bring together peer leaders and compelling guest speakers to pressure-test ideas and explore the latest thinking on trust-based philanthropy concepts, values, and practices.
In this candid setting, participants will:
- Learn from guest speakers + cutting edge examples.
- Consider if, where, and why trust-based practices do — or don’t — fit with your goals for impact.
- Assess your ongoing trust-based efforts, unpacking emerging learnings.
- Grapple with implementation challenges.
- Build deep ties with peer leaders.
- Drive change honed to your organization’s unique context and goals.
Kickoff
October 3, 3-5pm EST
- Origins of Trust-Based Philanthropy and relationship to CEP data on grantee experience.
- Cohort norms, expectations, and goals.
- Understanding and unpacking of trust-based practices and varying perspectives in the field.
- Peer Introductions: Your interest in Trust-Based Philanthropy.
Is Trust-Based Philanthropy the One Right Way?
Nov. 21, 3-5pm EST
- Guest speakers with lively discussion of fundamental concepts: What does it mean to “trust”? When do we trust? When do we measure?
- Small group peer-to-peer exploration of your organization’s values and context in relation to Trust-Based Philanthropy.
Is Trust the Bedrock of Strong Funder-Grantee Relationships?
Jan. 9, 3-5pm EST
- What does CEP data tell us about if, when, and how trust is relevant to effective working relationships with grantees? Is trust the most important predictor of strong funder-grantee relationships?
- What can we learn from various models, including giving that demonstrates trust, but may not be relational?
- Small group discussion: Your organization’s values and evolving practices, including where they do or don’t align with various Trust-Based Philanthropy concepts — and why.
Trust and Power in Selection Processes
Feb. 6, 3-5pm EST
- Exploring ideas of trust and power in selection processes, considering a menu of approaches including open versus invite-only processes, participatory grantmaking, and more.
- Consideration of risk and due diligence in a trust-based framework.
- Small group discussion: Grappling with what approaches align most closely with your personal values and the values and goals of your organization, alongside the practicalities of your work and context.
Is Multiyear General Operating Support Magic?
March 6, 3-5pm EST
- CEP research on multi-year general operating support (MYGOS), plus candid consideration of when it is not the best tool for the goal at hand.
- Small group discussion: Multiyear general operating support in the context of your foundation, including learnings, challenges, and aspirations.
Beyond MYGOS
April 3, 3-5pm EST
- Exploration of the effectiveness of a variety of approaches to strengthening nonprofits, drawing on CEP research.
- Discussion of power and trust implications: When does it behoove funders to yield versus use power, or vice versa, when seeking to strengthen nonprofits? What are the implications from a trust-based lens?
- Small groups: Grapple with theory and consider practical applications in your context.
Learning Oriented Reporting
May 1, 3-5pm EST
- Reporting processes that foster mutual learning.
- Who’s learning what? Funder reflections on why they’ve shifted processes, what’s worked, and what hasn’t.
- Reporting in the context of multiyear general operating support.
- Small groups: Your processes, your challenges, your learnings, and your aspirations.
Capstone
June 12, 3-5pm EST
- Bringing it all together: throughlines in our course of learning.
- Envisioning your organization’s future.
- Celebration, community, and momentum!
Session Details
This cohort includes eight monthly virtual sessions from October 2024 through June 2025, with a break in December.
Sessions include interactive presentations on data-backed practices, compelling guest speakers, discussion in whole group and small group formats, and peer-to-peer learning.
In virtual sessions you will have the opportunity to engage with peer leaders, contribute learnings from your own experiments with trust-based practices, and learn from each other’s challenges and successes.
Guest Speakers
Check back for updates on additional speakers!
Phil Buchanan
President, CEP
Brenda Solorzano
CEO, Headwaters Foundation
Elisha Smith Arrillaga
Vice President, Research, CEP
Alice Mei
Manager, CEP
Amber Bradley
Director, Learning Institute, CEP
Mercedes De La Riva
Engagement Lead, Learning Institute, CEP
| Date | Pacific | Mountain | Central | Eastern | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | |||||
| Session 1: Kickoff | October 3 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 2: Is TBP the One Right Way? | November 21 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| 2025 | |||||
| Session 3: Funder-Grantee Relationships | January 9 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 4: Selection Processes | February 6 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 5: Is MYGOS Magic? | March 6 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 6: Beyond MYGOS | April 3 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 7: Learning Oriented Reporting | May 1 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 8: Capstone | June 12 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
Limited spaces available! Register early to ensure your spot.
Contact CEP if:
- You would like to apply group or community discounts to your registration,
- Your role doesn’t match the participant description, but you’d like to be considered,
- You require accommodations to fully participate, or
- You prefer to pay via EFT, check, or grant.
| Early Bird Discount Register by August 1st | Standard Cost |
|---|---|
| $6,500 | $8,200 |
Registration
Eligibility: This program is a peer-based learning cohort for senior leaders at philanthropic funders. Participants should hold responsibility for influencing and/or implementing strategic decisions at their foundation. CEP believes that candid discussion drives learning and change, so participants should be open to collegial discussion of differing perspectives.
To support implementation of learnings, participants are encouraged to join with at least one colleague, in groups as large as four. Each participant should have some responsibility for influencing/implementing strategy, and at least one participant should have a senior leadership role at the organization. In the past, participating groups consisted of individuals holding Director, Vice President, or other C-level roles, occasionally accompanied by close colleagues at the Senior Program Officer level.
Discounts for Groups and Community Foundations: We offer a $1,000 discount per person for participants who join with a colleague (limit: four per organization) and for those joining from community foundations. Multiple discounts may be combined. Please contact CEP for relevant discount codes.
Accessibility: CEP is committed to making cohorts welcoming and accessible spaces. Reach out to us if you have questions or require accommodations.
About the Learning Institute
CEP’s Learning Institute offers cohorts, workshops, and custom trainings for foundation staff and leaders to support your learning and implementation of data-backed practices.