Trust-Based Philanthropy with Joanna Jackson

Why Giving Up Control Could Be the Best Thing You Do as a Funder

What if the greatest barrier to philanthropy's impact isn't a lack of resources, but a lack of trust?

In this episode of Black Philanthropy: Our Stories, host Michelle Renee Jackson sits down with Joanna Jackson, President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation, for a conversation about trust-based philanthropy, collaborative grantmaking, and why funders often achieve more when they stop trying to control every outcome.

Drawing on nearly two decades at one of Southern California's leading foundations, Joanna shares why the future of philanthropy depends on trusting community expertise, reducing unnecessary burdens on nonprofits, and working in partnership rather than isolation.

Why Trust-Based Philanthropy Creates Greater Impact

Many funders pursue transformative results while requiring extensive applications, reporting requirements, and oversight processes. Joanna explains how these practices can unintentionally pull nonprofit leaders away from mission-critical work and into administrative tasks.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

• Why trust can be more effective than control
• How flexible funding supports innovation and long-term impact
• Why community leaders often have the strongest solutions to local challenges
• How authentic partnerships deliver stronger outcomes than compliance-driven relationships

Why Funders Need to Collaborate Like Nonprofits Do

Nonprofits are frequently encouraged to build partnerships, coalitions, and networks.

But are foundations doing the same?

Joanna discusses why philanthropy becomes more powerful when funders work together rather than operate independently. She argues that advancing racial, social, and economic justice requires collective action, shared commitment, and mutual support.

Key insights include:

• Why there is strength and safety in numbers
• How collaborative philanthropy can increase impact
• The limitations of siloed grantmaking
• Why funders should model the same partnerships they expect from grantees
• How working alongside other funders can strengthen long-term social change efforts

Advancing Racial, Social, and Economic Justice During Uncertain Times

At a moment when many institutions are reevaluating their commitments, Joanna offers a clear perspective on mission-focused leadership.

She explores:

• Why racial, social, and economic justice remain critical philanthropic priorities
• How foundations can stay aligned with their values during challenging times
• Why courage and clarity matter in leadership
• What it means to remain accountable to communities

From Program Associate to President & CEO

Joanna's professional journey demonstrates the power of values-based leadership.

Listeners will discover:

• How she advanced from program associate to President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation
• Why purpose and adaptability shaped her career path
• Lessons on leadership, organizational growth, and change
• Insights for emerging philanthropic and nonprofit leaders

The Power of Hope, Community, and Collective Responsibility

Throughout the conversation, Joanna reflects on the influence of family, social justice movements, and community care.

She reminds listeners that philanthropy is not solely the responsibility of foundations. Lasting change is also driven by neighbors, grassroots organizations, families, and everyday people choosing to support one another.

About Joanna Jackson

Joanna Jackson is the President & CEO of the Weingart Foundation, a Southern California-based foundation committed to advancing racial, social, and economic justice. Having served the organization in multiple leadership roles over nearly two decades, Joanna is recognized for her commitment to community-centered philanthropy, partnership, and systems change.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

• What trust-based philanthropy looks like in practice
• Why giving up control can improve philanthropic outcomes
• How funders can collaborate more effectively
• Why community expertise matters
• Ways philanthropy can advance racial, social, and economic justice
• Leadership lessons from a foundation CEO
• How hope and community sustain long-term change

Memorable Takeaway

Funders regularly encourage nonprofit organizations to collaborate. Joanna challenges philanthropy to ask a different question: Are funders collaborating with other funders?

Listen If You Are

• A foundation executive
• A grantmaker
• A nonprofit leader
• A donor or philanthropist
• A social impact professional
• An advocate for racial, social, or economic justice
• Interested in trust-based philanthropy and collaborative leadership

Key Topics

Trust-Based Philanthropy, Funder Collaboration, Collaborative Philanthropy, Grantmaking Strategy, Community-Centered Philanthropy, Racial Justice Funding, Social Justice Philanthropy, Economic Justice, Nonprofit Leadership, Foundation Leadership, Strategic Philanthropy, Social Impact, Joanna Jackson, Weingart Foundation, Black Philanthropy.