Over the past several years, the Mary Black Foundation has moved towards more trust-based, unrestricted grantmaking. This means, the Foundation relies on input from our partners and the community to inform our funding based on the greatest needs. It also means working towards providing our nonprofit partners with simplified applications and reporting. Trust-based funding focuses on relationships and empowers nonprofits by providing them with more flexibility, autonomy, and support in achieving their missions.

“Our nonprofit partners are intimately familiar with the needs and challenges of our community,” said the Foundation’s Communications and Events Manager, Cassidy Reynolds. “Trusting them and providing them with the freedom to use funds as needed, rather than restricting them to specific programs, enables them to have the greatest impact on the populations they serve.”

The Foundation recently sought some feedback from eleven organizations who received unrestricted dollars in 2023 to improve behavioral health outcomes. We heard that most often, the unrestricted funds were used to support existing, successful programs and staff. Some organizations took a leap and added new programs and positions. A handful repaired or replaced outdated or damaged technology and facilities. More than anything, they all appreciated having the choice.

The Foundation is committed to continuing to listen and learn so that we can implement trust-based funding in the most impactful way possible.