Independent Sector

We just wrapped an energizing stop on our listening tour in California and are continuing our journey across the country to hear directly from nonprofit leaders shaping communities every day. This week we were in Oakland and Orange County, spending time with leaders, partners, and organizations to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing the sector right now. These conversations are helping to ground our work in real experiences from the field and strengthen how we show up in support of civil society.

The Supreme Court's decision weakening the Voting Rights Act raises serious concerns about access to the ballot and the future of democratic participation. In a new CEO Views, Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins reflects on what this moment asks of us all: a deeper commitment to civic engagement, collective action, and the vital role of civil society in safeguarding hard won rights. Read the full article: independentsector.org/blog/lessons-l…

Policy decisions in Washington, D.C. shape the work nonprofits do every day. From the next reconciliation bill to federal funding rules and workforce data, this month’s DC Download breaks down what the sector should be watching. Read the full post: independentsector.org/blog/dc-downlo…

Strong mentorship is vital for a healthy charitable sector. Do you know a mentor that made a difference in your life? Take a moment to nominate them for the Janine Lee Mentorship Award: independentsector.org/community/lead… Let’s honor the spirit of mentorship that Janine embodied by recognizing those who guide and uplift the next generation of leaders!

Thank you to the Bainum Family Foundation for being a Gold sponsor of our 2026 Service Symposium. @BainumFdn's vision is a society where all children thrive. For more than five decades, they’ve invested in the well-being of children and families, evolving their strategy over the years to reflect new thinking, learning, and changing community needs.

Thank you to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for sponsoring 250 & Beyond: Our American Story, happening today, April 24. @KauffmanFDN provides access to opportunities that help people achieve financial stability, upward mobility, and economic prosperity – regardless of race, gender, or geography. "Everything we do is grounded in the generosity and love for Kansas City that Mr. Kauffman infused into the heart of our mission. Our vision, strategy, and partnerships embody his intent and commitment to the community. That is why we are dedicated to advancing equitable access to opportunity and spurring economic growth." ⭐️ Learn more about our 2026 Service Symposium and register here: 250andbeyond.com/symposium

While many headlines tout a "strong" economy, millions of working families are struggling to afford housing, food, health care, and other essentials. These households are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) — and the number of them is increasing. Join us for a conversation with expert panelists for a deeper look at what's driving this trend and how economic pressures disproportionately affect communities and workers of color. 📅 April 28 🕐 1:00 PM ET Register now to save your spot: independentsector-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Thank you to the Annie E. Casey Foundation for being a Gold sponsor of 250 & Beyond: Our American Story, happening on April 24th! @AECFNews is devoted to developing a brighter future for millions of children and young people with respect to their educational, economic, social and health outcomes. Their work focuses on strengthening families, building stronger communities and ensuring access to opportunity, because children, youth and young adults need all three to succeed. They advance research and solutions to overcome the barriers to success, help communities demonstrate what works and influence decisionmakers to invest in strategies based on solid evidence. ⭐️ Learn more about our 2026 Service Symposium and register: 250andbeyond.com/symposium

Behind the work that supports communities are workers who often face financial hardship themselves. Our new fact sheet with @IndSector sheds light on where change is needed most.

What will the next 250 years of American service look like? This Friday, April 24, leaders, students, educators, and community members will come together in Washington, D.C. and online for 250 & Beyond: Our American Story, a nationwide gathering that showcases the power of service to shape our shared future. Highlights include: 🔹 Celebrating the legacy of service across American communities 🔹 Showcasing Community and Campus Museums of Service from across the country 🔹 Inspiring a national movement for the future of service 🔗 Register to attend in person or online: independentsector.org/upcoming-event…

#NEST4US #CEO #ShreyaaVenkat is invited as a #speaker at the #250AndBeyond: A Nationwide #Celebration of #Service #Symposium hosted by the National Museum and Center for Service & @IndSector!#SpiritOfService #Leadership nest4us.org #Register: shorturl.at/znmJY

Volunteers strengthen communities and the economy. In 2025, the estimated national value of a volunteer hour was $36.14, according to new research from Independent Sector and @DoGoodatUMD. Across the country, millions of people give their time to support neighbors, serve their communities, and contribute their expertise. This #NationalVolunteerWeek and beyond, let's celebrate the impact volunteers make every day! Explore the data: independentsector.org/research/value…

A strong economy should mean stability for working families. Yet millions of households still struggle to afford basic needs. Join our webinar with @United4ALICE on April 28 at 1:00 PM ET: Strong Economy, Growing Struggles: Understanding ALICE and Racial Disparities. Together, we’ll explore why ALICE households are growing, what the data reveals about racial and ethnic disparities, and what these trends mean for the nonprofit workforce and communities nationwide. Register here: independentsector-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Our listening tour is off to an incredible start! Over the past two weeks, our Programming Innovation and Impact team connected with nonprofit leaders in Arizona and Texas. More than 40 nonprofits joined these conversations, sharing honest perspectives on trust, leadership, and the challenges facing their communities. Their insights are helping shape our work and strengthening the relationships that move the sector forward. 📸 Check out some highlights from Phoenix, Arizona:

Nonprofits have a powerful role to play in strengthening democracy, especially during the midterm season. Join our partners @npvote, @AFJustice, and @LWV for Voices in Action: Strengthening Democracy Through Nonpartisan Voter Engagement. This live webinar will explore practical ways nonprofits of any size can connect everyday work with meaningful civic participation while ensuring communities have access to trusted voter information. 📅 May 5, 2026 🕑 2:00 PM ET Register and be part of the conversation: independentsector-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

We invite you to join a free live broadcast of 250 & Beyond: Our American Story on April 24 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this symposium will bring students, educators, nonprofit leaders, public servants, and community members together to reflect on the power of service and inspire the next chapter of civic engagement. Register here: #dataItem-mmy4srmw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">nmcfs.org/2026-service-s…

A federal court decision has upheld protections that keep partisan politics out of charitable nonprofits. The ruling preserves the Johnson Amendment, helping ensure organizations can focus on serving communities and maintaining public trust. Read the full press release: independentsector.org/blog/nonprofit…

Our new research with United for ALICE highlights persistent wealth gaps in the nonprofit workforce. Black and Hispanic nonprofit workers are nearly twice as likely as white workers to live below the ALICE threshold and are more likely to struggle to pay bills or maintain emergency savings, the analysis finds. 🔗 See more takeaways in this fact sheet: independentsector.org/resource/wealt…

Do you know a mentor who made a lasting impact? Nominations are now open for our Janine Lee Mentorship Award! This award honors the legacy of Janine Lee and celebrates mentors who are shaping the next generation of nonprofit leaders. This year's winner will be recognized at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026 in Phoenix. 🔗 Nominate your mentor by June 1st: independentsector.org/community/lead…

What will the next 250 years of American service look like? On April 24, leaders, students, educators, and community members will gather in Washington, D.C. and online for 250 & Beyond: A Nationwide Celebration of Service. Highlights include: 🔹 Celebrating the legacy of service across American communities 🔹 Showcasing Community and Campus Museums of Service from across the country 🔹 Inspiring a national movement for the future of service 🔗 Register to attend in person or online: independentsector.org/upcoming-event…