U.S. nonprofits demonstrate overwhelming interest in improving trust
Key Takeaways:
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Allstate and theAspen Institute's Alliance for Social Trust named 11 nonprofit collaborations across 10 states as recipients of the 2026 Trust in Practice Awards. - Awardees will each receive funding of
$1 million ,$500,000 or$100,000 , and join a national network of organizations advancing community-based trust-building. - The Trust in Practice Awards drew more than 1,600 proposals from 3,000 organizations, signaling significant demand for trust-building across the country.
"Demand for support far exceeded expectations, showing Americans know trust is required to improve prosperity and protect freedom. These awardees are leading a movement to strengthen relationships and share positive stories that build trust in institutions and each other," said
The first-of-its-kind Trust in Practice Awards fund nonprofit-led solutions that bridge divides, strengthen social connection and help communities solve shared challenges. Awardees bring strong local leadership, a proven track record of building trust and a commitment to share what works with peers nationwide. The Trust in Practice Awards will test practical approaches to build trust and make meaningful impact in communities.
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2026 Trust in Practice awardees
Each of the following awardees represents a collaboration of at least three nonprofit organizations that advance new solutions to increase trust in their communities. The projects range from on-the-ground disaster recovery to intergenerational coalition building to the revitalization of public spaces.
- West Virginia Community Development Hub : To work with local residents from all walks of life to guide flood recovery and economic resilience planning across 18 rural Central Appalachian communities.
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KABOOM!
: To create healing-focused play spaces in
Uvalde, Texas , with the goal of seeding joy and fostering connection and trust.
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Common Ground USA : To conveneNew Orleans local leaders from across the city to develop neighborhood-level solutions that strengthen cross-community trust, cohesion and neighborhood safety. -
Loyola University Maryland : To train intergenerational community leaders inBaltimore to revitalize shared spaces and bridge divides. -
Homeboy Industries : To support intergenerational healing between formerly incarcerated individuals and their families across Los Angeles County. -
Red Wing Arts
: To rebuild trust between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in
Minnesota through shared cultural experiences.
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New Neighbors Partnership : To host potluck-style community dinners inBrooklyn , theBronx andQueens inNew York City to help residents from different backgrounds connect and bridge divides. -
Miles Heights Development Corporation : To conveneCleveland residents to co-design and implement neighborhood improvements that rebuild community trust. -
The CARE Center of New Jersey : To transform a one-acre site into a year-round community garden and hub inRockaway Township to unite residents. -
Be Loud Studios : To produce youth-led, intergenerational programming inNew Orleans , including interviews, town halls and local dinners to bridge divides and build trust. -
Legal Prep Charter Academies
: To train
Chicago middle and high school students to be community peacebuilders.
Additionally,
How trust is built
- 59% of Americans say they trust their neighbors, compared to 41% who trust people across the
U.S. - 68% report being actively involved in their local communities, with many expecting to increase their participation.
- 78% of individuals with high trust are community-engaged, compared to 44% of those with low trust.
These findings underscore how trust is built through local relationships, shared experiences and active participation in community life.
Learn more about the Trust in Practice Awards and the
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