For a social leader to truly be a protagonist in their cause or territory, they need access to unrestricted resources in a strategic and emergency manner, according to internal circumstances and external influences. This funding, resulting from partnerships with donor organizations, social investors, or directly from individual donors, only materializes through mutual agreements, with commitments and responsibilities from both parties.
Concept
Trust-based philanthropy is guided by this principle, in which agreements exist to guide the desired impact, with the autonomy to adapt the use of unrestricted resources according to the priorities listed by the social organization itself.
It is "philanthropy" because of the resource's origin, a donation; it is "trust" because of the intentionality of the relationship, in which both parties (recipient and donor) must trust in the seriousness and responsibility of their choices and visions. It is "based" on mutual construction, resilience in understanding roles, and humility in listening instead of giving opinions.
When philanthropy is based on trust, resources are freely available. The social leader, deeply knowledgeable about their territory and/or cause, empowers their organization and has the power to make the decisions they deem appropriate. This also recognizes and values the skills and knowledge of the social leader and their team, since their analyses guide the use of resources.
Experience from the Better Future Program
Futuro Bem Maior program support approach since the program's inception in 2019. We provide unrestricted resources to social organizations and collectives, without imposing rigid restrictions on how these resources should be used. In this scenario, more than 127 social organizations and collectives have been supported in 4 editions of the program, with more than R$14 million invested and participants having the autonomy to choose how to use the resources within their territories. As a result, over the years, we have seen social leaders become more empowered and confident in managing their organizations; greater appreciation and recognition of the organizations' work in their areas of operation; rapid response and adaptation to external changes; and positive short-term social results.
In the 4th edition of the program , the supported organizations received initial funding of R$30,000, granted without restrictions, giving them complete independence to direct these resources according to their mission and objectives. In addition, during the first year, they underwent management training, provided by Phomenta , to strengthen their skills and capabilities. In the second year, a more substantial additional contribution of R$70,000 was made available, along with technical support from the Phi Institute . This second funding was flexible, allowing organizations to decide how to use the resources, conditional on an institutional project developed by them, considering their real needs.
The institutional project corresponds to a strategy for the use of resources, aligned with the organization's mission. This is presented to a panel composed of strategic partners who provide a critical and constructive analysis based on their technical knowledge. The exchange between social leaders and the panel, which has a specific perspective, allows for a deeper analysis of the project from different angles. Through active listening between the parties, resilience, and humility in the relationship, it is possible to grow mutually, increase, and enhance the initial social impact.
Free resources encourage transparency and accountability
This approach recognizes organizations as key players in their regions, promoting greater autonomy innovation capacity , essential for solving the complex social problems they face every day in their territories. As donors, we choose to act not as controllers, but as committed allies supporting the leadership of organizations, recognizing and valuing their expertise in addressing such multifaceted challenges.
To be clear, a relationship of trust does not exclude a commitment to accountability , which is fundamental to promoting transparency, responsibility, and good auditing practices . These elements – financial value, transparency, and commitment – are the foundations that underpin our partnership.
As a result of this relationship of trust, we can see more confident leaders , with a clearer understanding of their own needs and capabilities, which contributes to more strategic planning and a more meaningful and transparent evaluation of results.
Building a Greater Future, Together
By adopting collaborative and trust-based partnerships, donors and social organizations drive significant social change while creating an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth. The Futuro Bem Maior methodology highlights the importance of trusting in the potential of social organizations and collectives, collaborating for a lasting positive impact on their communities.
What do you think about starting to integrate this perspective into your philanthropic practice?
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This post was written by
Thainara Martins, Project Analyst, and
Beatriz Waclawek, Social Investment Manager.
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