Trust-Based Philanthropy: A Path Toward Resilient Communities
This special 7-minute preview The Gift of Trust offers a glimpse into United Way of North Central New Mexico’s innovative trust-based philanthropy project, Resilient Communities. The documentary highlights the journey of developing authentic partnerships with community agencies and illustrates the transformative impact of trust-based grant-making.
At UWNCNM, we believe that trust-based philanthropy isn’t just a better way to fund work—it’s a better way to build community. This philosophy doesn’t simply provide dollars; it provides affirmation. It doesn’t just support programs; it nurtures people and relationships.
Trust-based philanthropy is a values driven approach that shifts traditional power dynamics between funders and grantees. As Rodney Prunty, President and CEO of UWNCNM, says, “I understand trust-based philanthropy to be a philosophy that resets the power dynamics of, philanthropy.” It’s about working for systemic equity, centering relationships and embracing learning.
This model treats nonprofits as trusted collaborators, empowering them to direct resources where they are most needed. Multi-year, unrestricted operational support gives organizations the peace of mind to plan ahead, focus on their missions, and respond flexibly to community needs.
Trust-based philanthropy has helped made space for dreaming, reimagining what’s possible, and proposing bold ideas. It builds self-reliance so that, even as systems shift, our neighborhoods remain strong and less vulnerable to disruption.
This work calls for a different kind of workplace culture—one that recognizes the importance of showing up as whole people. It requires intentional space for rest, reflection, creativity, and care, because resilient communities are built by resilient people.
This approach invites funders to listen more deeply, trust more fully, and partner more meaningfully. Through our Resilient Communities Initiative, UWNCNM is helping to build a future where communities don’t just survive—but thrive.
