But nonprofits encompass a huge variety of organizations, some promoting guns (the National Rifle Association[0]) and others paying for abortions[1]. Wouldn't it be better to force everyone to pay their taxes owed, then if they are truly altruistic, donate whatever extra they want?

I really don't see how tax deductions for donations aren't glorified tax evasion strategies.

[0] https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/nra-tax-exempt-non-profit/

[1] https://abortionfunds.org/