Trust-Based Philanthropy Learning Cohort
Drive trust-based change at your foundation through:
• Compelling speakers + galvanizing examples from funders
• Action-planning for your unique context
• Catalytic peer support + deep connections
Trust-Based Philanthropy 7-month peer-leader learning cohort
Data-driven practices and peer support to implement
trust-based principles
Informed by CEP’s decades of research on the drivers of effective grantmaking and funder-grantee dynamics, this Learning Cohort will help you lead your organization in implementing trust-based philanthropy practices. Connect with a supportive group of peer leaders while you deepen your knowledge of trust-based philanthropy principles, troubleshoot barriers, set and achieve goals, and create change at your foundation.
This peer-leader learning cohort will include seven virtual sessions between May and November 2023. Sessions will include data-backed practices, funder examples, guest speakers, and structured time for participants to set goals, discuss implementation challenges, and receive peer support.
Engage with a group of supportive peer leaders
Implementing ideals of trust-based philanthropy in your grantmaking can be difficult. Change can be easier when done with a supportive group of peer leaders tackling similar challenges. CEP’s learning cohorts emphasize peer-to-peer learning and connection. In these virtual sessions you will have the opportunity to engage with small groups of peer leaders to foster deep connections and learn from each other’s challenges and successes. Participants will be encouraged to set concrete goals for their foundation, and to support and hold each other accountable in pursuit of these goals over the 7-month program. Participants will also be assigned a peer partner for the duration of the cohort, who will serve as a resource and confidant outside of scheduled sessions.
Learn from CEP’s deep roots and practical know-how
The Center for Effective Philanthropy has been a driving force in the movement towards more trust-based, mutual, and transparent practices in grantmaking for over two decades. CEP’s research has resoundingly shown that funders who prioritize transparent and responsive relationships with grantees, and who operationalize trust through their grantmaking structures and approaches, receive higher ratings from grantees regarding their perceptions of a funder’s impact on organizations — and the issues and communities grantees and funders seek to help. Every day, CEP staff work to raise up the voices of grantees and to encourage funders to adopt data-backed philosophies and practices of trust-based philanthropy. Learn more about CEP’s deep roots in trust-based philanthropy.
Session Dates and Content
This Learning Cohort will begin in May 2023 with two half-days of immersive sessions to ground participants in the principles of Trust-Based Philanthropy, CEP research, and to get to know your peer participants. Subsequent sessions will take place in July, September, and November of 2023.
The utility and success of the learning cohort will depend on meaningful participation from each member. So that we can foster a strong group, have fruitful conversations, and best support members in their work, we ask that each participant join with the intention of attending each of the seven planned sessions.
Sessions in Detail
2023 Kickoff Immersive: Introduction to TBP Principles and Your Peer Network + Deep Dive on Multi-year General Operating Support (MYGOS)
- 12:30-2:00pm Eastern Session 1: Kickoff and Introduction to TBP
• Understanding and Unpacking Trust-based Philanthropy Principles
• Peer cohort introductions: Your journey and interest in TBP
- 3:00-5:00pm Eastern Session 2: Relationships Matter
• What does CEP data tell us about the importance of trust-based grantmaking?
Guest Speaker: Austin Long, Senior Director, Assessment and Advisory Services, CEP
Small groups: What does TBP currently look like at your foundation? What areas for growth do you see?
- 12:00-2:00pm Eastern Session 3: Multi-year General Operating Support (MYGOS): Why?
• CEP research on multi-year general operating support
Guest Speakers: Phil Buchanan, President, The Center for Effective Philanthropy and Jesús Gerena, CEO, UpTogether
Small groups: MYGOS in the context of your foundation
- 3:00-5:00pm Eastern Session 4: Multi-year General Operating Support: How?
• Addressing common barriers
Guest Speaker: Mailee Walker, Executive Director, The Claneil Foundation
Small groups: Discussion and peer-supported action planning — set specific goals for your organization
June: Break for Individual Reflection, Peer Partner Connection, and Implementation
- 3:00-5:00pm Eastern: Respectful Selection Processes
• TBP principles “Do the Homework” and “Simplify and Streamline”
• Operationalizing equity and inclusion in your selection process
• CEP research findings on what makes or breaks a positive selection process
• Guest speaker on helpful, streamlined processes
Small groups: Discuss selection processes at your foundation; progress check-in on MYGOS goals; set selection process goals.
August: Break for Individual Reflection, Peer Partner Connection, and Implementation
- 3:00-5:00pm Eastern: Learning-Oriented Reporting Requirements
• Reporting in the context of MYGOS
• Guest speaker on reporting processes that foster mutual learning
Small groups: Discussion and progress check-in
October: Break for Individual Reflection and Implementation
- 3:00-5:00pm Eastern: Capstone Nonmonetary support and capacity-building
• Strengthening grantee organizations
• Guest speaker on nonprofit capacity building
• Progress updates, celebration, and momentum!
Calendar Quick Look
| Date | Pacific | Mountain | Central | Eastern | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | |||||
| Session 1: Intro to TBP Principles and Peers | May 11 | 9:30-11am | 10:30am-12pm | 11:30am-1pm | 12:30-2pm |
| Session 2: TBP Funder-Grantee Relationships | May 11 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 3 MYGOS: Why? | May 16 | 9-11am | 10am-12pm | 11am-1pm | 12-2pm |
| Session 4 MYGOS: How? | May 16 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 5: Respectful Selection Processes | July 20 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 6: Learning-Oriented Reporting | September 14 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
| Session 7: Capstone Nonmonetary Support | November 14 | 12-2pm | 1-3pm | 2-4pm | 3-5pm |
About CEP Learning Communities
Through learning cohorts, CEP helps foundations and foundation staff deepen their knowledge, improve their practice, and ultimately strengthen their personal and organizational impact.
Jesús Gerena
CEO
UpTogether
Mailee Walker
Executive Director
The Claneil Foundation
Austin Long
Senior Director
Assessment and Advisory Services
The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Check back for updates on additional speakers!
Who can sign up?
This program is a peer-based learning cohort for senior leaders at philanthropic funders seeking to implement trust-based principles and practices. Participants will be highly motivated to set concrete goals for their foundation, and to pursue those goals in the context of a peer-accountability network. Participants should hold responsibility for influencing/implementing strategic decisions at their foundation.
Participants are strongly encouraged to join with at least one colleague, and in groups as large as four per foundation. 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.
Contact CEP if you’re role doesn’t match this description but you’d like to be considered.
Limited spaces available! Register early to ensure your spot.
| Early Bird Discount Register by March 24, 2023 | $6,400 |
| Standard Cost | $8,900 |
Register via Eventbrite
If you would prefer to pay via EFT, check, or grant, please contact CEP.
CEP Facilitators
Amber Bradley
Director, Assessment and Advisory Services
Email Amber
with any Questions
Alice Mei
Manager, Assessment and Advisory Services
