Next month, I will be at the Exponent Conference in Austin, TX. Where I will be exploring, with Blackbaud, how we can update technology infrastructure in our sector to better reflect our values, center grantee needs, and accelerate impact.
When we engage in trust-based philanthropy practices, we don’t minimize the need for data or contracts. However, we understand that contracts supplement relationships, and data doesn’t exist solely in Excel spreadsheets. Trust-based practices emphasize collaborative learning, explicit expectations, and outcomes alignment. From the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project (TBPP):
"Industry standard, funder-driven evaluation tends to take a top-down, extractive approach to gathering and analyzing data, focusing on quantitative metrics and project-specific, short-term outcomes. However, once we shift our focus toward measuring impact as a chance to learn and adapt, the potential for long-term growth expands greatly."
TBPP and CEI introduces a framework for approaching evaluation and learning from a more expansive, trust-based perspective, focusing on three strategies funders can use to understand their impact:
Learning for Accountability
Learning for Decision-Making
Learning for Long-Term Impact
These strategies can also be applied to how we approach technology partnerships.
Philanthropic offices regularly engage technology experts to support social impact goals. Technology initiatives are developed in-house by philanthropy staff with varying levels of technical acumen. A project is defined, a list of requirements is gathered, partners are vetted, and work begins. Currently, this process happens within the extractive and transactional workflow of an RFP (Request for Proposals). A top-down, prescriptive approach to vetting a range of partners, focused on quantitative metrics and project-specific, short-term outcomes is the norm. I recommend moving beyond transactional approaches to develop deeper relationships and collaborations with technology partners who know our ecosystem, share our values, and can deliver sustainable outcomes aligned with our vision.
Relationship-based evaluation and relationship-based technology partnerships share a common philosophy: focusing on collaboration, shared values, and ongoing communication rather than transactional methods. Both approaches emphasize trust-building, long-term relationships, and a deep understanding of stakeholder context. This approach supports achieving shared outcomes through ongoing, meaningful interactions instead of rigid processes like RFPs or traditional evaluations.
Technology is infrastructure, but philanthropic staff often speak a different language than their vendors. To create purpose-built and long-lasting technology solutions, we need to reimagine our approach to technology. It takes a values-aligned vision to effectively and efficiently build technology bridges in the social sector.
1. Learning for Accountability
Can your technology vendor do the job? Technology solutions don’t vary that greatly (it’s like LEGO. There are only so many ways the pieces fit together and with true genius, incredible builds are possible). Technology expertise in partnership with grantmaking expertise is where the magic happens. Focus accountability discussions on culture, values, and communication. Accountability, transparency, honesty, inclusion, and listening are activities that develop trust. Nurture trust. Set clear expectations. Develop a shared language. Once trust is established, the real work begins. Are their values aligned with yours?
TBPP explains: "Learning for accountability refers to a process in which evaluation is used not just to measure success or failure but to foster growth, transparency, and responsibility among stakeholders. It shifts the focus from punitive oversight to collaborative learning. This approach encourages mutual accountability and continuous improvement."
In the context of technology partnerships, learning for accountability means both the nonprofit and the vendor take responsibility for their roles in achieving success, fostering continuous learning and improvement together.
2. Learning for Decision-Making
Do you trust your technology partners? Once the partner is vetted and language, values, communication styles are aligned, you should experience more seamless collaboration with your technology vendors, allowing both parties to work together efficiently toward shared goals. Tech expertise and grantmaking expertise will drive your organization’s technology ecosystem toward social impact outcomes and improved stakeholder UI/UX (user interface/user experience).
Insights gathered through collaboration and reflection inform and improve future actions and strategies. Relationship and trust-based technology partnerships shift the focus from simply assessing past performance to understanding what is working, what isn’t, and why. This learning enables funders to make more informed, data-driven decisions that align with their missions and goals, leading to greater impact. You can begin to engage in collaborative decision-making that centers on shared values and long-term objectives.
3. Learning for Long-Term Impact
Do you know where you are going? The technology landscape is constantly shifting. Change is inevitable. Are you prepared? Do you have technology partnership to help you navigate emergent questions, needs, or crises? AI is here. You will need trusted advisors to avoid snake-oil sales—which are proliferating fast.
Learning for long-term impact, as it relates to building good technology partnerships, involves continuously evolving relationships with technology partners by using shared values, clear communication, trust, and collaborative problem-solving as foundations for growth. These elements enable organizations to adapt over time, leveraging technology to not only solve immediate challenges but also to anticipate and navigate future complexities. The focus is on sustainable, mission-driven outcomes that deepen over time rather than one-off solutions.
As AI technology advances, having trusted partners who can provide informed, reliable advice will be crucial to navigating an ever-evolving landscape.
Exponent Conference - November 13-16
If you're eager to dive deeper into how technology can support trust-based grantmaking, make sure to attend the upcoming conference session titled "How Technology Supports Trust in Your Grants Management Process," featuring me and Katherine Liles of Blackbaud. This interactive workshop will explore how aligning your technology with your values can streamline processes for grantees and staff alike. Through small group discussions and expansive knowledge sharing, you'll leave with actionable steps to enhance your approach to grantmaking technology.
Learning Objectives:
• Illustrate the holistic trust-based approach and learn how to integrate trust-based structures and systems
• Share tips to better evaluate your grantmaking technology and maximize the features and capabilities
• Define ways to improve the accessibility and user experience for grantee partners, foundation staff, and board
By leveraging technology to create more efficient, accessible, and mission-driven systems, you will not only transform operations but also empower trust, collaboration, and long-term impact. Operations are strategic. Operations can support impact. This is a chance to shape the future of your organization—one aligned with your vision and values.
