The relationship between philanthropy and the arts has historically been transactional. A donor gives money; an artist produces work. But in today's complex world, this model is no longer sufficient—and in many cases, it is actively harmful.
I have witnessed firsthand how traditional funding models can stifle creativity. Artists spend more time writing grant applications and compliance reports than actually creating. Organizations are forced into short-term project cycles that prevent long-term strategic thinking. And the power dynamic—where funders hold all the cards—often means that the communities being "served" have little say in how resources are allocated.
What is Trust-Based Philanthropy?
Trust-based philanthropy flips this model. It starts with the premise that artists and cultural organizations are the experts in their own communities and their own work. Rather than imposing rigid frameworks, trust-based funders provide flexible, multi-year support with minimal reporting requirements. They prioritize relationship-building over transactions. They recognize that failure and experimentation are part of the creative process, not signs of mismanagement.
This approach requires funders to be more than just patrons; they must be collaborators who understand the ecosystem they are supporting. It means funding the organization, not just the project. It means accepting that impact cannot always be measured in neat quarterly reports.
The Hard Questions
But here is where I want to open up the conversation: Is trust-based philanthropy realistic at scale? Funders have fiduciary responsibilities, and boards demand accountability. How do we balance trust with the legitimate need for transparency and stewardship? And what about the risk of funding organizations that are not equipped to manage large, unrestricted grants—does trust-based funding inadvertently favor already-established institutions over grassroots initiatives?
I do not have all the answers, but I believe these are the right questions to be asking. For artists and cultural leaders, this means articulating the value of your work beyond the aesthetic. It means showing how culture builds community, challenges injustice, and imagines new futures. For funders, it means being willing to cede some control and embrace a longer-term vision of impact.
What has been your experience with different funding models? Where have you seen trust-based approaches succeed or struggle? I am eager to hear from both funders and artists on how we can collectively move toward a more equitable and effective funding ecosystem.