At the recent Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) Leads Conference in downtown Indianapolis, The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County took the stage to share their journey of implementing Trust-Based Philanthropy (TBP) over the past eight years. Led by Marcy Minton, President and CEO, along with Kallie Sulanke and Amanda Kavars, Chief Community Partner for Outreach and Donor Relations and Chief Community Partner for Program and Nonprofit Relations respectively, the foundation’s presentation was a highlight of the conference, providing insights into how they transformed their organization into a model of trust-based giving and leadership in the philanthropic community.
The Foundation, recognized as a thought leader in philanthropy, has become widely respected across the country for its innovative approaches to grantmaking and community partnerships. Their TBP journey serves as a powerful example of the potential impact of reshaping the traditional philanthropic model.
The Foundation’s Mission and Vision
The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County encourages philanthropy, assists donors in building an enduring source of charitable assets, and exercises leadership in directing resources to enhance the quality of life for residents of Muncie and Delaware County. Their vision includes resilient nonprofits that foster long-term positive change, guided by values of trust, shared power, and meaningful relationships.
A New Approach to Grantmaking
The presentation detailed the six key principles of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, an inspiration to the Foundation’s new approach:
- Provide Multi-Year, Unrestricted Funding – Moving away from restrictive, short-term grants, the Foundation now offers long-term funding that provides nonprofits with the flexibility to innovate and grow.
- Do the Homework – Rather than requiring grantees to submit excessive paperwork, the Foundation takes on the responsibility of gathering the necessary information, reducing the administrative burden on nonprofits.
- Simplify Paperwork – The Foundation has streamlined the application and reporting process to make it more accessible and less time-consuming for nonprofits.
- Be Transparent and Responsive – The Foundation commits to clear, open communication with its grantees, fostering a relationship built on trust.
- Solicit and Act on Feedback – The Foundation actively seeks feedback from its grantees and uses that input to improve its practices.
- Offer Support Beyond the Check – The Foundation goes beyond financial support, providing capacity-building assistance and strengthening relationships with their nonprofit partners.
These principles were designed not only to empower nonprofits but also to create a philanthropic environment built on trust, collaboration, and shared goals.
Eight Years of Continuous Improvement
The Foundation’s transformation has been a deliberate process. According to Minton, it began with a comprehensive audit of their grantmaking practices over the previous five years. They assessed their processes, identified areas for improvement, and sought to establish a common language around their new approach to philanthropy.
A key takeaway from the presentation was the importance of continuous improvement. Over the years, the Foundation has refined its practices by educating staff, grant committees, and external partners, building a cohesive and informed team. Their guiding statements reflect their dedication to long-term change:
Picture: We picture resilient nonprofits creating lasting positive change in our community.
Purpose: We support and partner with nonprofits contributing to what our community needs.
Practice: We share power, build meaningful relationships, support nonprofits support, care about community results, and commit to continuous improvement.
Trust-Based Philanthropy in Action
The Foundation’s eight-year journey has not only changed the way it approaches grantmaking but has also positioned it as a leader in trust-based philanthropy. The foundation has embraced five key rules of continuous improvement that can serve as a roadmap for other organizations:
- Always Solicit Feedback – Constantly seek input from both internal and external stakeholders.
- Infuse Staff Recommendations – Incorporate insights from the foundation’s staff into decision-making processes.
- Live Partner Roadmaps – Develop and maintain clear strategies for nonprofit partnerships, aligning goals and expectations.
- Identify Relationships in a Matrix – Cultivate a network of relationships, recognizing the interdependence of various stakeholders.
- Gather and Share Learnings – Encourage ongoing learning and knowledge-sharing to foster growth and adaptation.
The result is a trust-based model that allows nonprofits to focus more on their missions and less on administrative tasks, leading to greater community impact.
Impact Beyond Philanthropy
During the conference, the presenters emphasized that the lessons learned from implementing Trust-Based Philanthropy are not limited to the philanthropic sector. The principles of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement can be applied across both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. The Foundation’s journey has become a textbook case for successful change management, illustrating the power of open communication, collaboration, and a relentless focus on learning and growth.
The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County’s transformation into a trust-based philanthropic leader offers valuable insights for others seeking to rethink their approach to giving. Their commitment to building stronger, more resilient nonprofits and communities serves as a model for the future of philanthropy in Indiana and beyond.
Visit the Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County website to learn more.
