Is it possible to run bitcoind without downloading the blockchain? I'm using bitcoind on a project, and I only need to send bitcoins to myself (from one wallet to another), so trust is not a factor. 

That being said, is there a way to run bitcoind without needing to download the full blockchain?

Edit: I know Bitcoin-QT runs as "full node". Does bitcoind?
It isn't possible with the current version of Bitcoind, Bitcoin-QT is simply a GUI wrapper for Bitcoind so same applies for both.

If you need a wallet that doesn't download the full blockchain go with a thin wallet like Electrum. It does download block heards but that takes seconds. If you want to accomplish your project programmatically, consider the many libraries, such as Bitcoinj, Libbitcoin, and many others.