Nurturing Trust: Practical Tips for Strong Grantee Relationships

Ashley Morton, Senior Resource Partner

I have heard philanthropy professionals joke that the foundation representative gets to feel like the funniest and most attractive person in the room. While this is always said in a light-hearted way, it is based on a heavier truth – power dynamics exist in philanthropic relationships. At Headwaters Foundation, we recognize that our ability to connect with communities authentically is crucial to our mission. By building genuine trust and understanding, we can better grasp the true needs of our partners, support them in overcoming challenges, and ultimately make a bigger impact.  

Our commitment to practicing Trust-Based Philanthropy is reflected in the recent change of our Program Officer title to Resource Partner. The shift signifies our focus on true partnership, collaboration and support rather than oversight and regulation. Seven years ago, I came to Headwaters without prior experience in the philanthropic sector. This meant that I wasn’t steeped in the bureaucratic processes and paperwork associated with conventional philanthropy. Looking back, I’m glad that I got to start from the beginning in a trust-based way. Today, as Senior Resource Partner, I have experienced the power of building relationships grounded in trust. 

In this blog, I offer 5 practical tips for fellow philanthropy professionals looking to build stronger relationships with partners and communities, particularly in rural areas: 

1. Show up! 

Nothing can replace the insights gained from being physically present in a community. Spend time visiting your partners where they live, observing their daily lives, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that are present. Simply making the drive from one rural community to another can help paint a realistic picture of what life is like there. Many families drive an hour to drop their kids at daycare, work a full day, then drive another hour for pick-up. Glimpsing these realities can help philanthropy professionals develop a deeper understanding and avoid unfair stigmatization. 

Additionally, making an effort to attend community events – or ensuring a team representative does – helps demonstrate your investment in partners’ work. While it may be challenging for smaller teams with limited capacity, dedicating even a few hours monthly to engaging in community or partner activities can deepen relationships and increase awareness of important local efforts and players. You also get to see firsthand the impact your partners are having, which is powerful. 

2. Check Your Assumptions at the Door 

When driving to a rural community, seeing lots of cows, farmland, and tractors can illicit some unhelpful tropes about an area. However, when you arrive, you will likely discover a rich and engaged community dedicated to an issue like early childhood – bringing people together, educating parents, empowering them to get involved in advocacy. Every community is unique. Just because you have visited one rural community doesn’t mean you understand them all. It’s important to approach each community with fresh eyes, ready to learn and understand their specific circumstances and vision.  

3. Commit to Getting to Know People 

Trust grows organically when you intentionally create space to get to know each other. Be curious with your partners; ask open-ended questions. Are they originally from their current community? What inspired them to do the work that they do? What do they like to do outside of work? Try stepping outside of a work setting, going on a hike or out to dinner. When partners trust you and know that you have a genuine interest in them and their success, they’re more likely to share openly not just when things are going well, but also when they aren’t going so well, so that you can offer support. 

4. Be Transparent 

Transparency is at the center of trust. Share what you’re learning, what is happening as it’s happening, and how you plan to use the information that partners and communities provide. This openness helps build trust and collaboration. We have been in the process of transitioning to a new strategic framework. When a foundation pivots, it can invoke fear in partners about continued support. The more upfront and honest you can be with partners, the better they can plan for transitions they might need to make. Even when we don’t yet have clear answers, keeping partners updated along the way helps them see that we care about them and that there won’t be any surprises. 

5. Watch for Opportunities  

As you build relationships, look for events, grant opportunities, ways to connect them with other partners or resources, and share them. This shows them that you’re thinking of them and that you are invested in their success and wanting to see them thrive beyond your relationship, even when it has been a while since you connected. The deeper my relationship with a community or partner, the easier it is for me to identify opportunities that align with their needs.  

Also, building relationships with communities isn’t just about current connections, it’s also about being open to potential new partnerships. By paying close attention to who is active and engaged within a community, you can identify pathways to expand your work. If you repeatedly hear a name and they aren’t yet involved in your initiatives, explore why not. Make a point to build new connections with individuals and organizations – some of our most impactful partnerships have emerged from these community-based introductions. 

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When it comes to building trust-based relationships in philanthropy, being authentic and showing a bit of vulnerability is essential. It’s not just about bringing a professional front to the table – it’s about connecting on a personal level. By being open and genuine, we can break down barriers and create a foundation for collaboration that’s strong and meaningful.  

Remember – these relationships aren’t just about funds and formalities; they’re about sharing stories, learning together, and supporting one another through challenges. As we build these connections, we’re not just making a difference in the communities we serve – we’re also enriching our own lives and approach to philanthropy. So, embrace the journey – one conversation at a time!