Trauma-Informed Philanthropy

Research continues to show that trauma and adversity can have lasting effects across a person’s lifespan — impacting health, education, relationships, economic stability, and community wellbeing. These effects are often concentrated in marginalized communities and can extend across generations. At the same time, growing evidence demonstrates that trauma-informed approaches can help prevent harm, strengthen resilience, and improve outcomes across systems including healthcare, education, housing, and criminal justice.

The Trauma-Informed Philanthropy series was developed to help funders better understand the science of trauma and the role philanthropy can play in advancing trauma-informed and resilient communities. In partnership with Philanthropy Network Greater Philadelphia and United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, the series explores how philanthropy can support organizational capacity, community-led solutions, and broader systems change through strategic investment, partnership, and advocacy.