As Americans lose confidence in corporations and the wealthy, nonprofit organizations continue to earn high levels of public trust
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 22, 2026) – Today, Independent Sector released a new national study showing nonprofit organizations remain the most-trusted sector in the U.S., even as perceptions of government institutions and private corporations worsen.
Now in its seventh year, the Trust in Nonprofits and Philanthropy study is the largest of its kind, capturing the perspectives of the American public with a nationally representative survey of 3,000 U.S. adults, as well as a series of politically-representative online focus groups. The study is commissioned by Independent Sector and conducted by Edelman Data & Intelligence.
Key research findings include:
- 56% of respondents indicated high levels of trust in nonprofits, stable from 2025 and significantly higher than trust in the military, the media, government institutions, and large businesses and corporations.
- Respondents indicated high levels of support for a wide variety of nonprofit services and activity, including human services and nonpartisan civic support like providing voter information and candidate factchecking. Notably, public support for organizations providing community services for legal immigrants saw the largest growth over 2025 (+7%).
- When asked about nonprofit use of AI tools, 76% of respondents agreed that nonprofits should fully disclose when and how they use AI, and more respondents said AI use by a nonprofit would make them less likely to trust that organization (37%) than more likely (22%).
- Nonprofits are trusted significantly more than corporations to carry out key governance responsibilities, including following laws and regulations (51% vs. 35%), being accountable to their community (49% vs. 34%), and using funds responsibly (47% vs. 31%).
- A significant gap (27 points) persists between trust in nonprofits and trust in philanthropy. 29% of respondents indicated high levels of trust in philanthropic organizations, a drop of 4% from 2025.
- Direct engagement with a nonprofit organization boosts trust. 60% of respondents who reported engaging directly with a nonprofit in the past year reported higher levels of trust in nonprofits after the interaction. The three activities that drove the largest increase in trust were participating in joint advocacy with a nonprofit, attending a demonstration organized by a nonprofit, and volunteering with a nonprofit.
“As Americans struggle with economic challenges and political divisions, their trust in nonprofit organizations to deliver for their communities remains higher than any other sector of society,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “Our new research shows that this high level of trust is largely driven by transparency and direct engagement: When Americans feel that they have a role in and insight into a nonprofit’s work, they are more likely to trust that organization to deliver on its promises ethically and effectively.
Dr. Watkins continued, “This new research shows that connection is an essential part of trust. Americans want to see how organizations use their funds and feel the impact of an organization in their communities. As Americans’ perceptions of government and corporations have worsened, nonprofit organizations have the opportunity and responsibility to invite more Americans to take an active role in their communities as nonprofit volunteers, advocates, and decision-makers.”
A full summary of the findings is available online.
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Independent Sector is the national membership organization that connects, strengthens, and advocates for nonprofits and philanthropies. Learn more at independentsector.org.
Media Contact: Chloe Kessock, chloek@independentsector.org, 727-433-2972
