TRUST-BASED FUNDING.
TreeSisters use a trust-based funding model — an approach that prioritises genuine relationships, transparency, and collaboration with the communities and partners we support.
This means we trust our partners to know their own needs and to deliver effective, lasting impact on the ground. But trust does not mean handing over a blank cheque without accountability.
It means working together with respect and openness to create real change.
How Trust-Based Funding Works at TreeSisters
01
Addressing Power Imbalances.
We don’t impose rigid plans or strict conditions. Instead, we listen carefully to our partners, enabling them to set priorities that reflect local realities. For example, when the Ashaninka community in Brazil faced devastating fires, we adapted our funding quickly to meet urgent needs. Similarly, during conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we offered flexibility so projects could continue safely and effectively.
02
Building Trusting Partnerships.
We work closely with our partners through regular communication and joint planning. This helps us set clear objectives together, track progress, and adjust when needed. Transparency and honest dialogue are at the heart of our collaborations.
03
Overcoming systemic barriers.
We know that funding alone can’t solve deep-rooted challenges. Our partners often face legal hurdles in securing land rights, social inequalities that limit women’s participation, and poor infrastructure that makes project delivery difficult. To address this, we might provide resources for training local leaders, support advocacy efforts to change unfair policies, and help improve access to tools and technology. These actions strengthen communities' ability to lead restoration efforts that last.
04
Measuring Impact and Continuous Learning
Accountability and learning are central to our approach. We use a mixed-methods monitoring and evaluation system that captures both quantitative and qualitative data. Because each project is unique, the specific data we collect and how we monitor progress is tailored to local needs and contexts.
For example, in our project with ITF and AWEI in Uganda, local monitoring teams made up of 80 percent women collect data on key indicators such as agroforestry adoption, kitchen gardens, tree survival rates, women’s income changes, leadership roles, and community outreach.
Our data collection includes:
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Quantitative surveys conducted at baseline, midline (12 months), and endline (24 months)
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Qualitative insights gathered through participant stories, focus groups, and interviews
Project teams and TreeSisters review this data quarterly to identify trends, address challenges, and adapt programming accordingly. We also collaborate with a secondary local organisation that provides technical support and site visits to ensure quality and cultural relevance.
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All monitoring tools are designed to be locally managed and transferable, supporting long-term learning and improvement beyond the funding period.
WHY WE USE TRUST-BASED FUNDING
Real restoration and justice require sharing power and building mutual trust. Trust-based funding supports projects with flexibility, respect, and is rooted in listening and understanding. This approach creates lasting outcomes for people and the planet.
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Trust does not mean less accountability or less focus on evidence. Instead, accountability happens through genuine partnerships, transparent communication, and continuous learning. We work closely with partners to set clear goals, monitor progress carefully, and adapt based on data and feedback. This ensures every contribution is used effectively and communities are empowered to lead their own change.
What does Trust-Based funding look like in practice for TreeSisters and our Restoration Partners?
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