Start with Trust on #GivingTuesday

On Dec. 2, nonprofits around the country will observe #GivingTuesday, a global day of encouraging people to do good. After we’ve shopped for loved ones on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to give to the nonprofits we love. Year end is a great time to support the organizations we value, but like all gift-giving, effective philanthropy isn’t always as simple as writing a check.

A recent survey from Independent Sector revealed that compared to other institutions (government, corporations, etc.), Americans have incredibly high trust in nonprofits. In spite of that high level of trust, many donors and funders place restrictions on their charitable gifts. In 2025, funding cuts, legislative changes, and increased demand for services are putting new strain on the nonprofits we have come to rely on. That strain is helping to fuel a move toward trust-based philanthropy to reduce or eliminate restrictions on charitable gifts.

Trust-based philanthropy is, essentially, just what it sounds like. It doesn’t mean that donors should stop asking questions or trying to understand community needs — it simply requires a new way of engaging with charitable giving. When we stop asking about overhead expenses and start asking about vision, we build mutual trust with our community’s nonprofits.

What’s more, when we don’t trust nonprofits and place restrictions on our gifts, we can inadvertently impede the organization’s ability to address community issues. Say, for example, a well-intentioned donor makes a gift to a food pantry, but only wants the funds to be spent on the actual food. To use the gift, the organization must pay staff to either distribute the food or oversee volunteers. They have to store the food, which means rent, insurance, shelving, refrigerators/freezers, and utilities costs, and disconnect between restricted charitable gifts and the costs of running the food pantry means they also will need to invest in fundraising. The gift, though generous, doesn’t necessarily maximize the food that is distributed.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way. Linn County has a strong nonprofit sector, and these organizations are well positioned to build the solutions we need. By trusting their expertise, experiences, and vision, funders and philanthropists can help bring about real change.

If you’re still skeptical — or if you simply want to learn more — join us on Monday, Dec. 1 for one of three free screenings of the documentary UnCharitable. We’ll gather at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for showings at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The film explores the reality of philanthropy and proposes a radical new way of providing unrestricted support for the organizations we love. On the eve of #GivingTuesday, the film’s message is as important as ever.

Karla Twedt-Ball is president and CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, where she has served the community for 16 years. She serves on the board of the Funders Network, a national philanthropic organization, and served on the Iowa Council of Foundations board of directors, including a term as board chair.