Trust-based philanthropy is more than a buzzword; it’s a refreshing approach to philanthropy that prioritizes relationships, transparency, and shared power. It shifts away from rigid, transactional practices and instead centers on trust as the foundation for meaningful, long-term impact. But within this approach, some may feel tempted to let go of metrics altogether, believing that measuring impact might somehow erode trust.

This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, integrating thoughtful, inclusive metrics strengthens trust-based practices. When done right, metrics empower both funders and nonprofits, fostering collaboration, transparency, and deeper alignment on shared goals.

Here’s why metrics aren’t the enemy of trust-based philanthropy—they’re an essential part of it.

1. Metrics as a Tool for Learning, Not Judging

The traditional view of metrics often focuses on evaluation and accountability—think long grant reports, rigid goals, and a lack of context. For nonprofits, these expectations can feel like a burden, especially when they’re already stretched thin.

Trust-based philanthropy flips this narrative by reframing metrics as tools for learning. Instead of using metrics to judge, funders and grantees can use them to explore what’s working, what’s not, and why.

For example, let’s say a nonprofit is piloting a youth mentorship program. Instead of rigidly tracking the number of participants served, metrics might focus on understanding how mentorship affects participants’ sense of belonging or long-term goals. These insights not only help the nonprofit refine its approach but also allow funders to understand the nuances of their impact.

By adopting this mindset, metrics become a shared learning journey—one that builds mutual understanding and trust.

2. Transparency Deepens Trust

Trust-based philanthropy emphasizes transparency, and metrics are a powerful tool to support that. Clear, accessible data creates a shared language for funders and nonprofits to communicate their impact.

For nonprofits, sharing metrics can strengthen relationships with funders by demonstrating their commitment to their mission. For funders, transparency about their goals and how they measure success creates clarity and alignment.

Consider a nonprofit tackling food insecurity. By sharing data on the number of families served, meal satisfaction rates, and even challenges faced during distribution, they invite funders into their story. Funders, in turn, can use these metrics to advocate for continued support and better policies, showing the nonprofit that they’re not just a source of funding but a true partner in impact.

Transparency also works both ways. Funders who openly share their impact priorities, decision-making processes, and funding outcomes build trust with their grantees, setting the stage for authentic collaboration.

3. Metrics Reflect Shared Power and Partnership

One of the guiding principles of trust-based philanthropy is the belief that nonprofits are the experts on their communities. Funders trust grantees to lead the way—and metrics should reflect this ethos.

Instead of imposing metrics from the top down, funders can collaborate with nonprofits to co-create impact measurement frameworks. This process ensures that metrics are meaningful, context-sensitive, and aligned with the nonprofit’s mission.

Take, for instance, a nonprofit working in environmental conservation. A funder might traditionally want to see metrics like the number of trees planted. But by working together, they might identify other key indicators, such as biodiversity improvements or community engagement in conservation efforts.

This collaborative approach not only produces richer data but also reinforces the partnership. Nonprofits feel heard and respected, while funders gain a more nuanced understanding of their impact.

4. Storytelling Meets Data

Metrics aren’t just about numbers—they’re part of a bigger story. When nonprofits combine metrics with qualitative insights, they create a compelling narrative that connects with funders on both an emotional and intellectual level.

For example, a nonprofit focused on workforce development might report that they helped 500 people secure jobs last year. That’s an impressive number, but it becomes even more powerful when paired with personal stories of individuals whose lives were transformed through the program.

This blending of data and storytelling isn’t just engaging—it’s a way to humanize metrics. For funders, it brings the impact to life. For nonprofits, it allows them to showcase their work in a way that honors the complexity and humanity of their mission.

5. Metrics Drive Better Decisions

Ultimately, trust-based philanthropy is about maximizing impact. Metrics help funders and nonprofits make better decisions, allocate resources more effectively, and identify areas for growth.

For funders, tracking metrics across their portfolio can reveal trends, gaps, and opportunities for deeper investment. For nonprofits, data can illuminate what’s working well and where adjustments are needed.

By using metrics to inform strategy, both funders and grantees demonstrate their shared commitment to continuous improvement. This commitment strengthens trust, as it shows a willingness to adapt and evolve in service of the mission.

How to Build Metrics Into Trust-Based Philanthropy

If you’re wondering how to integrate metrics into your trust-based approach, here are a few tips:

1. Co-Create Metrics: Work with grantees to design measurement frameworks that reflect their unique goals and challenges.
2. Focus on Learning: Use metrics as a tool to explore, not evaluate. Center conversations on what the data teaches rather than what it “proves.”
3. Prioritize Qualitative Data: Balance numbers with stories, testimonials, and other qualitative insights to paint a fuller picture of impact.
4. Simplify Reporting: Streamline data collection and reporting to respect nonprofits’ time and capacity.
5. Be Transparent: Share your goals, expectations, and findings openly to foster mutual understanding.

The Bottom Line

Trust-based philanthropy and metrics are not at odds—they’re complementary. When used thoughtfully, metrics deepen trust, improve transparency, and drive meaningful impact.

As Kevin Starr, director of the Mulago Foundation and the Rainer Arnhold Fellows Program, shared in a recent article on SSIR, "If you’re trying to save the world you need numbers—metrics that are selected carefully and gathered reliably. If you don’t have those, you’re flying blind. You don’t know what you’ve accomplished, and you don’t have the information you need to get better at what you do."

For funders and nonprofits alike, the key is to approach metrics as a tool for partnership and learning. By aligning on shared goals and co-creating measurement frameworks, both parties can create a culture of trust that enables transformative change.

In the end, trust-based philanthropy isn’t about abandoning metrics. It’s about reimagining them as part of the journey toward a more just and equitable world. Together, we can learn, adapt, and create a greater impact—because trust and data are powerful allies.