trust

In straining to separate partisan politics from election-adjacent activities, answers to Independent Sector survey questions beg one.

The editor, author, and former nonprofit leader talks to Michael E. Hartmann about the nature of the nonprofit crisis, the fairness of some (cross-ideological) critiques of the nonprofit sector, the effects of political polarization on responding to the crisis, and the need for some introspection in and reform of the sector.

And what that means for fundraisers.

A compilation of interesting and insightful thinking from the last six of 13 recorded discussions so far this year about grantmaking and giving.

In both messaging and missions, bridges instead of bubbles.

The London-based policy analyst and commentator talks to Michael E. Hartmann about where criticism of politicized charity is coming from in the U.K., why, and what could and should perhaps be done about it.

The Indiana University professor talks to Michael E. Hartmann about the degree to which trust, or lack of it, in wealth and the wealthy may or may not have played a role in the creation of Big Philanthropy at the beginning of the last century, through to the 1969 Tax Reform Act that essentially still structures the nonprofit sector, to today. He also discusses the growth of nonprofits in the urban context, as well as some ramifications of that growth.

2025 Edelman Trust Barometer finds higher level of trust in business than NGOs, much-lower level of trust in NGOs among low-income than high-income.

Recent legislation meant to promote transparency in giving by foreign philanthropists will boost the charitable world’s credibility.

If race-based grant contracts violate §1981, practical legal advice for grantors and grantees alike would include options ranging from linguistically just avoiding any reference to race in grant agreements to avoiding grant contracts altogether.

Quick reactions to some results of the Independent Sector survey with Edelman, in five short answers to one question.

“[A]cross the political divide.”

On September 26, “Reshaping the Conversation: How to Rebuild Public Trust in Philanthropy.”

And look at how to rebuild it.

High trust in nonprofits and philanthropy correlates with high socioeconomic status. Democrats trust philanthropy appreciably more than the general population.

2022 Edelman Trust Barometer finds trust in business remains higher than that in NGOs.

Leslie Lenkowsky: “obvious solution” to “money not really being used for charitable purposes” is to end “tax deduction for all contributions.”

And what can be done about it, including by philanthropy.

More evidence from Give.org, which also notes some trends worth attention.

Philanthropy tied for third.

And philanthropy.

Reflections on my co-editors’ conversation with Howard Fuller.