The Role of AI in Trust-Based Philanthropy

AI can reduce admin and standardise fairness while keeping relationships and power‑sharing central.

• Simplify applications and reporting for grantees.
• Use AI for summaries and feedback, not final decisions.
• Be transparent about how tools are used.

Supporting equity in practice

Design processes that welcome smaller or minority‑led organisations.

• Plain‑English forms and flexible formats.
• Proportionate checks with alternative evidence.
• Feedback to all applicants to build capacity.

Key takeaway: process design matters more than algorithms.

Accountability with compassion

Balance assurance with trust.

• Clear outcomes and light monitoring.
• Conversations over paperwork where possible.
• Appeal routes and respectful communication.

Key takeaway: Plinth enables proportionate, human‑centred grantmaking.

Learning together

Share insights openly and adjust practices.

• Joint reflection sessions and published learning.
• Grantee involvement in criteria design.
• Measure burden as well as outcomes.

Key takeaway: trust grows with openness and adaptation.

FAQs

Does AI inherently conflict with trust‑based practice?

No—used responsibly, it reduces burden and bias.

How do we avoid exclusion?

Offer assisted routes and flexible formats.

Can we remove reporting entirely?

Use proportionate snapshots and mutual learning instead of heavy forms.