Survey: 1 in 3 Americans Lacks Faith in Charities

Almost two-thirds of Americans have a great deal or a fair amount of confidence in charities, according to a new Chronicle of Philanthropy poll—the first to measure public views on that question since 2008. More than 80 percent said charities do a very good or somewhat good job helping people. But a significant number expressed concern about finances: A third said charities do a "not too good" or "not at all good" job spending money wisely; 41 percent said their leaders are paid too much.

Half said that in deciding where they will donate, it is very important for them to know that charities spend a low amount on salaries, administration and fundraising; 34 percent said that was somewhat important.