Trust-Based Philanthropy

The Future of Transformational Change

What if philanthropy embrace the solidarity economy as first principle?

Let's ask AI...

If philanthropy were to embrace solidarity economy as its first principle, it would likely lead to a significant shift in the way philanthropic efforts are approached and implemented. Here are some potential implications:

Alignment with shared values:

Philanthropy would prioritize cooperation, democracy, social and racial justice, and environmental sustainability, which are the core values of the solidarity economy. This alignment would ensure that philanthropic efforts are guided by a commitment to collective liberation and interdependence.

Systemic transformation:

By embracing solidarity economy, philanthropy would focus on systemic transformation rather than just addressing symptoms of social and economic problems. This would involve supporting initiatives that challenge the existing power structures and promote a more equitable distribution of resources.

Decentralized decision-making:

Philanthropy would likely adopt a more decentralized approach to decision-making, involving diverse stakeholders and communities in the process. This would ensure that resources are allocated in a way that is responsive to the needs of marginalized communities and promotes collective liberation.

Shift from charity to solidarity:

Philanthropy would move away from a charity-based model, where resources are given from a position of power, to a solidarity-based model, where resources are shared in a spirit of mutual support and cooperation. This would involve recognizing the agency and autonomy of marginalized communities and supporting their self-determination.

New forms of philanthropic practice:

Embracing solidarity economy would likely lead to the development of new forms of philanthropic practice, such as Trust-Based Philanthropy and Participatory Grantmaking, which prioritize mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Increased impact:

By aligning with the principles of solidarity economy, philanthropy would likely have a more significant impact on addressing social and economic inequalities, as it would be working in tandem with marginalized communities to create systemic change.

Overall, if philanthropy were to embrace solidarity economy as its first principle, it would require a fundamental shift in the way philanthropic efforts are approached, from a focus on charity and control to a focus on solidarity, cooperation, and collective liberation.

The Paradigm Shift to a Trust-Based Philanthropy model is still in the early stage of adoption. Thanks to Transformational leaders and thought leaders who are willing to ask the tough questions as well as challenge the inherit power dynamic that exist within the sector and our society. At the doorstep of the future, lay before us the transformational opportunity to shift from an extractive mindset to a growth mindset by overcoming the systemic challenges that we all faced together going through the pandemic. We must honor those who sacrificed everything to serve by building a better tomorrow. When Communities Win, We all Win!

The Crossroad

"Which way to head?... We live in a world characterized by mistrust, ill health, economic uncertainty, inflicted racial trauma, generational shift and the existential crisis caused by carbon. Not to mention the stress and dissolution of traditional pillars like organized education, office space and live gatherings.

And we live in a world with breathtaking medical technology, artificial intelligence, widespread and rapid cultural coordination, efficient farming, a move away from greed and the beginning of green tech. As well as self-driven learning, diverse cultural projects and the long tail.

Now more than ever, there’s room for leaders. Go first...

- Seth Godin blog - July 16, 2022

"How are we funding to make sure community wins?"

"What does it look like to ground our work in trust?"

"How many advance degree to review a grant proposal?"

"...if transformation is really at the center of what we want to see in community, we have to turn the lens and that mirror on ourselves as institutions and begin to interrogate how our institutional practices and policies and procedures are not grounded in equity. They're not always grounded in trust. They're not always grounded in ways that speak to our ability to win as a sector. And for us to win, community must win."

Can Philanthropy really advance transformational change?

Discussion and insights from transformational leaders,

Michelle Morales - Woods Fund Chicago

Tonya Randall - Casey Family Program

Carolyn Wang Kong - Blue Shield of California Foundation

Let's use this space to Reimagine the Future Together...

The Future is Here!