Trust-Based Philanthropy: From a Single Question to Collective Impact

When we talk about trust-based philanthropy, we often mean giving that responds to a partner’s vision, not just a funder’s strategy. A recent collaboration between Circle of Hope and FamilyAid is a powerful example of what that can look like in action.

Last fall, The Collective Change Fund asked Circle of Hope a simple but pivotal question: How could you reach more families in need? Circle of Hope’s answer, partnering with a new agency, sparked an idea and, ultimately, a grant.

Eight months later, that idea has become a thriving partnership. Circle of Hope and FamilyAid are now working hand-in-hand to expand services to families experiencing housing insecurity in Boston. By funding not just the program but the potential of this partnership, The Collective Change Fund helped these two mission-aligned organizations scale their impact in a way that wouldn’t have been possible alone.

This kind of collaborative funding model doesn’t just strengthen programs; it builds lasting capacity. When organizations are trusted to lead and resourced to grow through partnership, the ripple effects reach far beyond a single grant cycle. Take a look at this short video about the collective effort and see what’s possible when funders ask, listen, and act on what they hear.

Watch the Video