Reports: Nonprofits trusted more than private sector and government.

Edelman Trust Barometer results shows trust in social sector continues to out-pace trust in private sector. 

Every year I look forward to reading the findings of the Edelman Trust Barometer, a survey from around the world that asks people to respond to a series of questions about their level of trust in key institutions of national and international governance.

This year in particular the reports from Edelman have focused on the importance of trust in business activities. Additionally, the study compares and contrasts trust in government (public sector), media and NGOs (non-governmental organizations/social sector).

It is clear from this year’s study that U.S. trust in the social sector is high and continues to out-pace trust in the private sector reinforcing the belief that greater transparency, mutual respect and credibility are critical as the social sector, private sector and public sector begin the work of rebuilding the economy and tackling today’s most complex social challenges.

According to a study published by the Center of Philanthropy at Indiana University, 94.5% of high-income families that support the same causes year after year report having great confidence in nonprofit organizations to solve societal and global problems.

In November, 2010 American Express released their "Perspectives on Nonprofits" survey that indicates 71% of Americans trust nonprofits more than they trust private and public sector institutions to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

"This surge [in trust] may be attributed to a growing affluence and the resulting demand for environmental responsibility, education and public health," stated the report. Naturally, these findings may stir an obvious debate. Is this increasing level of trust in nonprofits based on improved performance, generational attributes and a decades-long commitment to increased transparency, or is it a product of the abysmal performance of government and the private sector? Regardless, these studies clearly indicate the public believes in the social sector and continues to demonstrate their confidence through volunteerism, financial support and increased trust in nonprofit leaders.

After years of social sector organizations demanding a place at the table of national governance it appears as though the American people have joined the effort by making clear the voice of the social sector is the voice they choose to most often trust. How nonprofits individually and collectively embrace this opportunity has the potential to shape both the future of the sector and polices that impact communities and our nation’s economic values-system.

With survey results in support of social sector leadership, the near-term will be a time of opportunity for nonprofit organizations and their leaders. Nonprofits have an opportunity to continue to improve upon the value of their organization while maintaining the trust and confidence they currently enjoy. Now is the time for continued programmatic innovation as well as national and local advocacy. If delivered with competence, passion and in the context of better communities; strategic programming and advocacy efforts will most certainly contribute to the long term success and sustainability of our nation’s nonprofits and strengthen their place in national governance.

Posted by David Davenport, Second Harvest Executive Director - Tuesday, 09/20/11, 12:46 PM - Comments - Category: Miscellaneous