Independent Sector

⏰ Last chance to register! Today, we’re unpacking the latest data on the value of volunteer time and discussing how volunteers contribute to communities across the country. Join us for “The Value of Volunteer Time: Breaking Down the New Numbers” to hear insights from the research team behind the new report and partners who see this impact firsthand. 📅 May 20 🕐 1:00 PM ET Register: independentsector-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Tomorrow morning, the Southern Poverty Law Center will again be the subject of a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, part of a concerning pattern of probes against perceived political opponents. Independent Sector strongly supports the rights of all nonprofits to speak out, share information, and engage the communities they serve. bit.ly/4dD3kMs

📢 Request for Proposals Now Open! Submit your application to present at the 15th Symposium on Public Policy for Nonprofits. We’re seeking papers that explore the resilience of nonprofits and the sector as a whole. Areas of resilience include financial sustainability, workforce stability, technological adaptation, policy engagement, and more. 👉 Learn more and submit your application by June 26: independentsector.org/2027-symposium…

Nonprofits play a vital nonpartisan role in helping communities participate in democracy. Join a timely conversation on how the sector can ensure voters have access to trusted information, from key election deadlines to what’s on the ballot, in an increasingly complex civic landscape. The event will feature our President and CEO, Dr. Akilah Watkins, alongside other national nonprofit leaders as they discuss how organizations can help communities stay informed, engaged, and heard. 👉 Register to watch here: events.zoom.us/ev/As6657HBJkf…

📢 Early bird registration is now open for Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! Join us October 13-16 in Phoenix as leaders from nonprofits, philanthropies, and corporate giving programs unite to build a better future together. 🔹 Strengthen your skills by participating in expert-led workshops. 🔹 Connect with a diverse group professionals from across the charitable sector. 🔹 Gain strategies to enhance your organization's future impact. Learn more: summit.independentsector.org

The tax code should make it easier for working people to give to the causes they care about after retirement, not harder. Thank you to @RepDonBeyer, Rep. @MikeKellyPA, Sen. @ChrisCoons, and @SenKevinCramer for hearing our call and introducing the Charity Parity Act to eliminate tax penalties on charitable donations from employer sponsored retirement plans. By cutting out unnecessary paperwork and fees, more donations will reach our neighbors in need. Learn more about the Charity Parity Act: beyer.house.gov/news/documents…

In a time of uncertainty and new challenges, nonprofit leaders need confidence to step into advocacy. Join us for Independent Sector’s first in-person Masterclass and see how to combine powerful narratives about our sector with credible research on its impact. 📅 June 10, 2026 ⏰ 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET 📍 Do Good Institute at University of Maryland Reserve your spot: independentsector.org/upcoming-event…

A dollar figure will never do justice to volunteers' true worth, but it's one way to show their contributions to communities across the nation. Join us next week as we explore insights from the new Value of Volunteer Time data! You'll hear from the research team behind the report and learn about key trends shaping volunteerism today. 📅 May 20, 2026 ⏰ 1:00 PM ET Register here: independentsector-org.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Do you know a mentor who has had a positive impact on your career path? Nominations are now open for the Janine Lee Mentorship Award! This award honors a remarkable mentor in the charitable sector and celebrates the legacy of Janine Lee, a beloved leader and advisor who inspired countless individuals throughout her 30-year career. 👉 Nominate a mentor: independentsector.org/community/lead… Nominations close on June 1, 2026.

Large majorities of Americans support nonprofits facilitating civic engagement through activities like registering voters and educating communities about voting rights, new polling shows. Our latest poll, conducted by @TunnlData in April 2026, offers new insights into public attitudes toward nonprofit engagement in civic life. See more insights from the polling: independentsector.org/policy/new-pol…

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…