The Case For Building Trust in 2026

Read time: 3 min

👋🏾 Hey! I’m Sid and this is The Philanthropy Futurist, a weekly advice column preparing you for the future of the nonprofit sector. Each Friday, I tackle reader questions about measuring impact, driving growth, and managing your nonprofit.

This Week’s Newsletter at a glance:

• The Case For Building Trust in 2026

• Philanthropy News From This Week

• Sid’s Book Recommendation

The Case For Building Trust in 2026

Trust is on longer a buzzword anymore... it’s not a “nice to have.”

In 2026, it’s the new and improved baseline.

Nonprofits have a real opportunity right now... not just to earn trust, but to set the standard for what trust looks like in a modern world. And that starts with understanding that trust isn’t only about fundraising. It’s about how people experience your organization every single day.

The Impact OUTSIDE Your Organization

Yes, trust helps you raise money. But more importantly, it helps people believe you. When donors, partners, and supporters trust you... conversations change. They lean in more, they stay longer... and more importantly, they advocate for you when you’re not in the room.

Social media plays a big role here. It’s not just a marketing channel... it’s a public trust-building space. Sharing progress, challenges, decisions, and lessons learned shows people how you operate, not just what you promise. Transparency and storytelling, done consistently will only build credibility over time.

The Impact INSIDE Your Organization

Trust matters just as much internally. When teams trust leadership, things move faster. People across your org will take more ownership, decisions won't stall anymore, and momentum will build.

Clear communication, honest expectations, and follow-through create stability. Your team doesn't need perfection... they need honesty. When people understand the “why” behind decisions, alignment has a much higher chance of following. Trust can become the quiet force that keeps your organization moving forward, but you have to be intentional.

The Opportunity Ahead

In 2026, nonprofits can lead by example. By telling the truth, showing the work, and building relationships rooted in credibility. And when you do this with authenticity, trust can become your org's strongest asset. Not because you asked for it... but because you earned it!

Until next time y'all ✌🏾

P.S. — Tomorrow, February 7th is The Philanthropy Futurist newsletter's 1st year anniversary.

Have questions you want answered? Submit questions using this form and I’ll work hard to get you the answers by way of this newsletter.

Philanthropy News From This Week

• Why Social Media Is Now the Place to Build Trust

• With $48M in philanthropic backing, a division of USAID relaunches as nonprofit

• 45 Arts Nonprofits Join Forces to Buck National Giving Trends

• 5 Key Trends to Watch in 2026

Sid’s Book Recommendation

Each week, I recommend a book or film that has impacted my life in a positive way. My recommendation this week is:

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey

This book argues that trust is a measurable, economic driver: when trust goes up in relationships and organizations, speed increases and costs decrease; when trust goes down, everything slows and becomes more expensive. Covey breaks trust into character and competence, then into "cores of credibility” and specific behaviors that help leaders intentionally build, lose, and restore trust. Learn more.

How You Can Help