Even nonprofit organizations with the lowest trust rating rank ahead of organized labor, major corporations, state and federal governments, Congress, and major political parties. The facts speak for themselves. We earn it. Americans trust nonprofits because they see them work, by helping the needy and providing a voice for the voiceless. More than a million nonprofit organizations spend about half a trillion dollars a year on activities that benefit the public.
Second harvest provides almost one billion tons of food to the hungry each year.
There are 8,200 American museums that enlighten 678 million visitors annually and act as public stewards of our collective natural and cultural heritage. The American Red Cross provides disaster relief to 236 communities in 48 states annually. Experience with organizations like these explains why Americans believe nonprofits are both significant and effective. Nonprofits work because they understand the responsibility they have to the people they help and the people who help them. We are close to the people.