America Has Confidence in its Nonprofit Organizations

A report by the Independent Sector shows that Americans are expressing confidence in private, charitable institutions. 64.1% percent of the population surveyed in 2002 expressed a great deal of confidence in nonprofits.

The report states: “By and large the nonprofit sector enjoys broad public support. The support for nonprofits has remained fairly stable over the last decade, with the events of September 11 having had no lasting impact on the public view of American charities, and current scandals in the corporate sector having no apparent negative impact thus far.

“The nation’s charitable sector, the 1.2 million large and small organizations serving the public good, has an unparalleled responsibility to inspire trust and confidence. These organizations not only provide a vast array of services, they also raise funds from the public with which they can provide those services. The success of these organizations is directly related to the trust they inspire, and the public holds them to a higher standard of accountability and ethical behavior than it does other sectors of our society.”

Interestingly, public opinion polls consistently show that nonprofit organizations rank ahead of nearly every major institution in earning public trust. Only small business ranks as slightly more trustworthy in the public’s mind.

Source: Keeping the Trust, 2002