2024 Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report Finds Increase in Nonprofit Trust
June 24 2024 - 1:30PM
Independent Sector today released the results of its fifth annual
Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy report, which found that after
four years of decline, trust in nonprofits has rebounded in 2024.
While trust in nonprofits increased by 5 points to 57%, trust in
other sectors — like government, business, and media — declined,
leaving nonprofits the most trusted sector in the 2024 survey.
Trust in philanthropy held steady at 33%, lower than trust in
nonprofits.
Independent Sector’s 2024 report, Trust in
Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Strengths and Challenges in a Time of
Division, was conducted in partnership with Edelman Data X
Intelligence. It contains exclusive research findings exploring the
nuances of trust in American nonprofits, philanthropic
organizations, and other institutions. It also provides insights
into how nonprofits and foundations can manage and enhance trust in
an environment of social division, political polarization, and low
trust in advocacy and civic engagement.
“Nonprofits consistently rank among the most trusted
institutions in America, and we’re pleased to see a boost in
nonprofit trust this year. However, the broader national
environment is concerning: trust in many sectors of American
society declined this year. Trust in philanthropy also remains
lower than trust in nonprofits, even though donors directly support
nonprofits’ charitable and community
work,” Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah
Watkins said.
“I’m also concerned that while Americans believe nonprofits can
positively impact social divisions and pressing issues, they are
unsure whether they trust nonprofits to engage in nonpartisan
advocacy and civic engagement. Advocating for the people we serve
is essential for our sector to fulfill our many missions and drive
positive change,” Dr. Watkins added.
Key findings from the 2024 Trust in Nonprofits and
Philanthropy report include:
- After four years of decline, trust in nonprofits has
rebounded by 5 points to 57%. Trust in other sectors —
like government, business, and media — has declined, leaving
nonprofits the most trusted sector in the 2024 survey.
- Trust in philanthropy remains steady at 33%, lower than
trust in nonprofits. Trust in private foundations and
high-net-worth individuals remains much lower than in 2020, the
first year for which we have data.
- Americans trust nonprofits to reduce national divisions
more than they trust corporations, government, or media.
This matters because 74% are worried about the direction of the
country, and 94% are worried about growing division and a lack of
national unity.
- Americans have less trust in nonprofits to advocate for
public policies and conduct nonpartisan voter engagement.
Many have low trust in the ability of nonprofits to avoid partisan
politics and to assist in writing or revising laws and
regulations.
- There are clear pathways for nonprofits to increase
public trust. Four-fifths of Americans who volunteer say
their experience made them view nonprofits more favorably. A
majority of Americans say their trust in a nonprofit would increase
if it committed to third-party standards for ethical operations and
good governance practices.
For this fifth annual report, Edelman Data X Intelligence
conducted a nationally representative online survey of 3,000 U.S.
adults from March 21 to April 7, 2024. The survey had a margin of
error of plus or minus 2%. In addition to a national survey, this
report incorporates qualitative research to gain further insights
into trust in nonprofits and philanthropy.
Read Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy: Strengths and
Challenges in a Time of Division at:
https://independentsector.org/resource/trust-in-civil-society/.
###Independent Sector is the only
national membership organization that brings together a diverse
community of changemakers at nonprofits, foundations, and corporate
giving programs to ensure all people in the United States thrive.
Learn more at independentsector.org.
- 2024 Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy report
Nina Ford
Independent Sector
202-467-6113
media@independentsector.org