“We couldn’t wish for a better funding partner than bi3! In fact, ‘funding’ partner doesn’t nearly describe the depth and effectiveness of our teamwork. You have been thought partners, healthcare system guides, internal advocates, and friends.”
– bi3 grantee –
What qualities do you look for in a friend? Being trustworthy, honest, a good listener, non-judgmental, encouraging, nurturing, authentic, dependable, and understanding?
The Trust-Based relationship between funders and grant partners resembles any successful friendship we see in our personal lives. For example, friends are accountable to one another.
There is a common misconception about trust-based philanthropy as extending “unconditional trust.” While the approach centers on building trusted relationships with grantees, this does not mean abandoning all expectations for mutual accountability, evaluation and learning. bi3 works with grantees to leverage their strengths and knowledge to co-design an evaluation that fits the project goals. An emphasis on learning improves grant outcomes and impact while making bi3 a better funder. Learning alongside our grantees influences bi3’s approach by strengthening our work with other partners and informing our strategies.
bi3 began the practice of Trust-Based Philanthropy before we even knew there was a name for it. More than a decade ago, we invested in our partner, Cradle Cincinnati, as they embarked on a journey to reverse the infant mortality crisis in our community. We granted them the resources they needed and gave them the time and voice to learn what the community needed to better support the health needs of mothers and babies.
The results don’t lie:
More than two hundred babies are alive today because of Cradle Cincinnati and our community’s collective efforts to reduce infant mortality in Hamilton County.
Trust becomes the string that ties together every interaction. By working towards shared goals and making the most of precious resources on both sides, this trust leads to greater impact and benefit for the communities and causes we support and serve.
Regardless of your role in our philanthropic community, you can help create a culture of Trust-Based Philanthropy.
Who is with us?
Jill Miller
President & CEO, bi3
Building Trust:
A conversation with Cradle Cincinnati’s Meredith Shockley-Smith
When Cradle Cincinnati shared an idea to create a safe space for Black mothers to support each other while being supported, bi3 backed the launch of Queens Village. This concept has been so successful in amplifying women’s voices that now more than a dozen chapters have been launched nationwide.
bi3’s experience working in Trust-Based accountability
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