Description

In a time of heightened urgency for the nonprofit sector, philanthropy is being called to step into a deeper level of solidarity and shared responsibility. Join AZ Impact for Good and the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project for a timely conversation on how funders can meet this moment with clarity, courage, and commitment. 

Guided by Chantias Ford of the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project, this session will spotlight Meet the Moment: A Call to Action for Philanthropy in 2025 — a bold initiative urging grantmakers to embrace trust-based, values-aligned practices amid a rapidly shifting social and political landscape. 

Together, we’ll explore how funders can move from theory to action — centering equity, fostering mutual accountability, and responding to the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. This interactive session will include reflections, practical tools, and opportunities for dialogue among peers working to deepen their trust-based practice. 

Key Takeaways: 

• Understand the Urgency: Learn about the national context prompting Meet the Moment, and why now is a critical time for philanthropy to lead with trust, equity, and courage. 
• Explore the Framework: Gain insight into the principles and practices of trust-based philanthropy and how they can be applied to enhance your organization’s grantmaking strategy. 
• Reflect on Readiness: Examine where your organization stands in its trust-based journey and identify both the challenges and opportunities in evolving your approach. 
• Connect Values to Action: Discover practical ways to operationalize trust, reduce power imbalances, and center community voice in your funding relationships. 
• Join a National Movement: Learn how to take part in the Meet the Moment commitment, and connect with a community of funders advancing systemic change through trust and accountability.

Director of Programs and Strategic Learning Chantias Ford leads in the development, execution, and evaluation of Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s educational programming, webinars, and cohorts. In this highly collaborative role, she delivers action-oriented, transformative learning opportunities to philanthropy professionals looking to uplift trust-based philanthropy values and practices. 

Chantias comes with a strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) background, and brings a wide array of philanthropic expertise, having worked as a practitioner in a philanthropy-serving organization, funder (program officer), consultant, evaluator, grantee, and grant writer. Chantias most recently came from PEAK Grantmaking, where she led educational programming, thought leadership, and peer engagement for PEAK’s diverse membership of grants managers and philanthropic professionals.

Chantias is passionate about building community, using research and data for impact, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She earned her BA in Urban Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, and her M.Ed in Learning, Diversity, and Urban Studies from Vanderbilt University. She is originally from Huntsville, Alabama, and enjoys music, traveling, and spending time with her affectionate cat.