2024 Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report Shows Growing Trust in Nonprofits

Independent Sector examines the strengths and challenges facing nonprofits and foundation trusts in a polarizing election year.

2024 Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy Report

Washington, June 24, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Independent Sector today released the results of its fifth annual study Trust nonprofits and philanthropy the report found that after four years of decline, trust in nonprofit organizations recovered in 2024.

While trust in nonprofits increased by 5 points to 57%, trust in other sectors – such as government, business and media – fell, leaving nonprofits the most trusted sector in the 2024 study. Trust in philanthropy remains remains at a constant level of 33% and is lower than trust in non-profit organizations.

Independent Sector Report 2024, Trust in nonprofits and philanthropy: Strengths and challenges in times of division, carried out in cooperation with Edelman Data X Intelligence. Featuring exclusive research findings examining the nuances of trust in U.S. nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and other institutions. It also provides insight into how nonprofits and foundations can manage and increase 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 are pleased to see nonprofit trust grow this year. But the broader national environment is troubling: trust in many sectors of American society has declined this year. Trust in philanthropy also remains lower than trust in nonprofits, even though donors directly support nonprofits’ charitable and social work.” Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins he said.

“I also worry that while Americans believe nonprofits can positively impact social divisions and pressing issues, they are not sure they trust nonprofits to engage in nonpartisan advocacy and civic engagement. Supporting 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 study Trust nonprofits and philanthropy the report includes:

After four years of decline, trust in nonprofits rose 5 points to 57%. Trust in other sectors – such as 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 wealthy individuals remains significantly lower than in 2020, the first year for which we have data.
Americans trust nonprofits more to bridge national divides than corporations, governments or the media. This matters because 74% are concerned about the direction of the country’s development, and 94% are afraid of deepening divisions and lack of national unity.
Americans have less trust in nonprofits to advocate for public policy and conduct nonpartisan voter engagement. Many people do not believe in the ability of nonprofit organizations to avoid bias and help write or change laws and regulations.
Nonprofits have clear ways to increase public trust. Four-fifths of Americans who volunteer say they have a more favorable view of nonprofit organizations because of the experience. Most Americans say their trust in a nonprofit organization would increase if it committed to third-party standards for ethical operation and good management practices.

For its 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 the national survey, this report includes qualitative research to learn more about trust in nonprofits and philanthropy.

To read Trust in nonprofits and philanthropy: Strengths and challenges in times of division at: https://independentsector.org/resource/trust-in-civil-society/.

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Independent sector is the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers in nonprofits, foundations and corporate giving programs to advance all people in the United States. Find out more at independencesector.org.

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CONTACT: Nina Ford Independent Sector 202-467-6113 [email protected]