For a social leader to truly be a protagonist of his cause or territory, he must have access to free resources in a strategic and emergency manner, depending on internal circumstances and external influences. Resulting from a partnership with a donor organization, social investor or directly from individual donors, this financing only materializes through mutual agreements, with commitments and responsibilities on both sides.
Concept
Philanthropy based on trust is based on this principle, in which agreements exist to guide the desired impact, with the autonomy to adapt the use of free resources according to the priorities listed by the social organization itself.
It is “philanthropy” due to the origin of the resource, a donation; it is “trust” due to the intentionality of the relationship, in which both parties (donee 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 there is philanthropy based on trust, there are free resources. The social leader, with in-depth knowledge of his territory and/or cause, is empowered by his organization and has the power to make the decisions he considers pertinent. This also recognizes and values the skills and knowledge of the social leader and his team, as it is their analysis that guides the use of resources.
Experience of the Futuro Bem Maior Program
In the Futuro Bem Maior , we have adopted this support since the program's creation in 2019. We make free resources available 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 were supported in 4 editions of the program, with more than R$14 million invested and participants' autonomy to choose the use of resources within their territories. As a consequence, over the years, we have seen social leaders more empowered and confident in managing their organizations; greater appreciation and recognition of the work of organizations in their areas of activity; quick response and adaptation to external changes; and positive short-term social outcomes.
In the 4th edition of the program , the supported organizations received initial funding of R$30,000, granted without restrictions, which gave them total independence to direct these resources in accordance with their mission and objectives. Furthermore, during the first year, they underwent management training, given by Phomenta , to strengthen their skills and capabilities. In the second year, a more substantial additional contribution of R$70 thousand was made available, together with technical support from Instituto Phi . This second financing was flexible, allowing organizations to decide how to use the resources, conditioned on an institutional project prepared by them, considering their real needs.
The institutional project corresponds to a strategy for using the resource, aligned with the organization's mission. This is presented to a panel made up of strategic partners who bring a critical and constructive analysis according to their technical knowledge. The exchange between social leaders and the panel, which has a specific perspective, makes it possible to delve deeper and analyze the project from different angles. With 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 responsibility
This approach recognizes organizations as protagonists in their regions, promoting more autonomy and capacity for innovation , essential for solving the complex social problems they face every day in their territories. As donors, we choose to act not as controllers, but rather as allies committed to supporting the organizations' leaders, recognizing and valuing their expertise in facing 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 support our partnership.
As a result of this relationship of trust, we can see more confident leaders , understanding their own needs and capabilities more clearly, which contributes to more strategic planning and a more meaningful and transparent evaluation of results.
Building a Greater Future, Together
By embracing trust-based, collaborative partnerships, donors and social organizations drive meaningful social change while creating an environment conducive to innovation and sustainable growth. The Greater Good Future methodology highlights the importance of trusting in the potential of social organizations and collectives, contributing to 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
Beatriz Waclawek, Social Investment Manager
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