August 26, 2010
By Ingrid Zacharias
We talk a lot about the word “trust” in the non-profit sector. Yet depending on who you are, it can mean very different things. How you personally relate to the non-profit will help to define the word “trust” for you.
Here are some of the definitions:
- Support and helping to build independence and interdependence – This would be the definition used my most clients or consumers of services in the non-profit sector. Except in layman’s terms, it would simply be “They are there for me when I need them and encourage me to make good decisions for myself.”
- Believing that policies and decisions are followed as documented – Boards would see this as a definition of “trust”, as every time they pass a policy, they rely on the staff to implement it, as it is written in the policy. They also entrust the day to day running of the organization to the Executive Director.
- Work collaboratively, share knowledge and resources – Other non-profits would likely define “trust” in this way, because most work to help support each other achieve sustainability.
- Grants are used as described and accountability measures are fulfilled – For funders, these two points are vital to their ability to provide grants in the future to an organization. But they usually give you at least part of the money first and trust that you will use it as you say.
Question of the Day: What other definitions of trust have you seen demonstrated in the non-profit sector?
