By Nancy Barry
Each month, Independent Sector collects research with broad social sector relevance to share with you. May’s research contains important insights into trust in civil society, the mental health of LGBTQ youth, the prevalence of fundraisers experiencing sexual harassment, and charitable food use in 2021.
Independent Sector Releases Third Annual Report on Trust in Civil Society
Independent Sector released our third annual Trust in Civil Society survey, which found while there is room for U.S. institutions across the board to increase public trust, a majority of respondents believe nonprofits will still do what is right for society. This year’s trust study provides data by income, gender, education level, age groups, race and ethnicity, and political affiliation. It shows where gaps in public trust can be narrowed. It also breaks down how the public views corporate philanthropy, private foundations, and high-net worth individuals.
For more on trust in civil society, read the report.
Upward Trend in Suicidal Thoughts Among LGBTQ Youth
In an increasingly hostile political and social environment for LGBTQ youth in America, The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health highlights a concerning upward trend in suicidal thoughts by LGBTQ youth, with 45% of LGBTQ youth seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. Nearly 1 in 5 transgender and nonbinary youth attempted suicide, and LGBTQ youth of color reported higher rates than their white peers. However, rates of considered and attempted suicide are significantly lower for LGBTQ youth who report being surrounded by supportive families and communities. The report also digs into rates of discrimination, physical harm, conversion therapy, and other unique challenges of LGBTQ youth, along with ways to support LGBTQ youth.
Find out more about the mental health challenges of LGBTQ youth in your life and ways you can support them.
Majority of Fundraisers Report They’ve Been Sexually Harassed at Work
A new study from the Association of Fundraising Professionals and researchers at Ohio State University, Speaking Truth to Power in Fundraising: A Toolkit, found that 3 in 4 fundraisers report having been sexually harassed at work during their career, with 42% experiencing sexual harassment during the past two years alone. The report also looks at disparities experienced by minority fundraisers, broken out by race, gender, and sexuality. Included is a toolkit with training materials and an assessment to prevent and address instances of sexual harassment in the fundraising profession at your organization.
Review the survey results and the toolkit.
Charitable Food Remains a Key Resource for 1 in 6 Adults
Urban Institute’s December 2021 Well-Being and Basic Needs Survey findings indicate rates of charitable food use remain higher than pre-pandemic rates, with 17.5% of nonelderly adults using charitable food in 2021, a slight decrease from 2020. There is a continued need for charitable food by families with children, households with a family member with a disability, and households with a family member who is a noncitizen. Most low-income adults who do not use charitable food reported a lack of knowledge of a local community resource and/or discomfort with seeking assistance.
Add Your Voice
The research summaries above are by no means an exhaustive list of the newest information out there to help us better understand the nonprofit landscape. Did we miss a report you think we should know about and share? Let us know by leaving a comment!