Congress is back, and there’s a lot on the table for the charitable sector. Here’s what we’re watching: 🔹 The December 11 government funding deadline and what comes next. 🔹 Proposed IRS rules that could affect tax-exempt status for private schools. 🔹 New bipartisan efforts to strengthen due process protections for nonprofits. 🔹 What the 2026 midterms mean for nonpartisan voter engagement. 🔹 The proposed overhaul of Form 990 and what's at stake for nonprofits. Read the latest DC Download: independentsector.org/blog/d…

What does it really mean to include volunteers in the nonprofit workforce? Volunteers are central to nonprofit work, but their role in the workforce is not always clear. How should organizations think about volunteer labor, stipended volunteers, and the relationship between volunteers and paid staff? Join Independent Sector for a live exchange of ideas as we unpack findings from the 2026 Nonprofit Sector Workforce Survey and explore what they mean for how nonprofits engage and support volunteers. 📅 October 6, 2026 🕐 1:00 pm ET Register: independentsector-org.zoom.u…

We are less than one month away! 🎉 Nonprofit and philanthropic leaders from across the country are coming together at Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026 for meaningful connections, new skills, and conversations about what’s next for the charitable sector. Join us for expert-led workshops, high-impact strategy labs, and valuable networking opportunities. 📅 October 13–16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Register today: summit.independentsector.org…

The Do Good Institute, an Independent Sector member, has officially started recruitment for their Summer 2027 Impact Interns program! Does your organization have a project or internship opportunity that may be a good fit for a University of Maryland graduate or undergraduate student next summer? 💡Learn more about hosting an Impact Intern: dogood.umd.edu/research-impa…

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, @HHFoundation President and CEO Antonio Tijerino and @votolatino Co-Founder and President María Teresa Kumar will explore the growing role of Hispanic Americans in shaping our democracy. And that’s just one of the important conversations happening at Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026. Join us in Phoenix for expert-led workshops, high-impact strategy labs, meaningful connections, and more! 📅 October 13-16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Register today: summit.independentsector.org…

Happy National Voter Registration Day! Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, organizations across the country are helping people register to vote and encouraging them to participate in American democracy. Last year, over 3,200 local organizations came together to register 300,000 voters. Want to get involved this year? Visit nationalvoterregistrationday…

At Independent Sector's National Summit 2026, we're hosting a special one-day event for policy, advocacy, and government relations professionals! Join your peers at the Policy Professionals Advocacy Intensive (PPAI) for strategies to build bipartisan relationship, strengthen sector resiliency, boost advocacy efforts, and more. 👉 Register for the summit and save your spot at PPAI! summit.independentsector.org…

What do the new proposed regulations on racial nondiscrimination in private schools mean for the charitable sector? Join Independent Sector, @COF_, @NatlCouncilNPs, @unitedphilforum, and external counsel tomorrow for a timely policy update on what’s proposed, who may be affected, and what could happen next. 📅 September 9 🕑 2:00–3:00 pm ET Register to join the conversation: cof.org/event/policy-update-…

Today, Independent Sector released a statement in response to proposed regulatory changes that would restrict the ability of tax-exempt private educational institutions to serve and support minority students: “The U.S. charitable sector is built upon fundamental freedoms enshrined within our Constitution: free speech, free assembly, freedom of worship, and free association. The proposed rule change advanced by the current administration, which would strip private educational institutions of their tax-exempt status for administering or supporting any policy or program intended to remediate over two centuries of racial discrimination in the American educational system, cuts at the heart of these fundamental freedoms," said Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins. "This rule change would fundamentally limit the ability of organizations to support their communities and advance moral causes in accordance with their values and lawful missions. If adopted, this rule would create a dangerous precedent that could open the door for any future administration to label any politically disfavored mission as against 'fundamental public policy' to justify stripping those organizations of their tax-exempt status. Charities shouldn’t have to work with one hand tied behind their back, and Independent Sector urges the administration to listen to our sector’s concerns before proceeding with this damaging rule.”

Independent Sector applauds the passage of H.R. 6500, a continuing resolution funding the federal government through December 11, 2026. The bill includes language delaying a proposed rule from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) which would make harmful changes to how nonprofits receive federal funding. Nearly half a million public comments were submitted to OMB outlining concerns about the potential for political or ideological bias in the new federal grantmaking process. We commend those that made their voices heard and the leaders who took action. Learn more: independentsector.org/blog/o…

Thank you to @policylink for sponsoring Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! PolicyLink is a national research and action institute working to advance racial and economic equity by transforming public policy, strengthening communities, and building collective power. Join us October 13 to 16 in Phoenix to connect with nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate giving leaders from across the country. Register today and be part of shaping The Future We Build Together: summit.independentsector.org

This fall, nonprofit, philanthropic, and corporate giving professionals are coming together for the charitable sector's premier event! Join us at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! 📅 October 13-16, 2026 📍 Phoenix, Arizona Learn new skills, form partnerships, and strengthen your organization for the challenges ahead: summit.independentsector.org…

Collaboration can strengthen advocacy and bring new voices to the table. The Nonprofit Coalition Connection helps nonprofits and other organizations find and connect with coalitions working on the issues they are most passionate about. 🔹 Make new connections 🔹 Discover coalitions 🔹 Strengthen your advocacy Explore the tool here: independentsector.org/commun…

A nation is shaped not only by its leaders, but by everyday people who choose to come together. For 250 years, Americans have built organizations and movements around the needs, challenges, and possibilities they saw in their communities. That tradition of collective action is still alive today. What will we build together over the next 250 years?

Thank you to @Philanthropy for sponsoring Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! Chronicle of Philanthropy provides nonprofits and foundations with trusted information, insights, analysis, and training to help sector professionals advance their missions. Join philanthropies and nonprofits at Independent Sector's National Summit this October👉 summit.independentsector.org…

How can charitable organizations thrive in today's rapidly-changing environment? We'll be diving into this question during a can't-miss plenary at Independent Sector’s National Summit 2026! Our President & CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins will be joined by Aisha Benson, Julie Gehrki, Ali Noorani, and Lisa Rice for a timely discussion on the forces shaping our sector, including workforce health, financial robustness, trust, governance, and advocacy. Together, they'll share what it takes to build a stronger, more resilient sector for the future. Join us in Phoenix from October 13-16 👉 summit.independentsector.org…

Our team can't wait to bring nonprofits and philanthropies together in Phoenix at Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! We're grateful to our host committee, Arizona partners, proposal reviewers, and subcommittees for dedicating their time and energy to build something special for the charitable sector. The summit provides a space for us to learn new skills, strategize to tackle challenges, and spark inspiration. Get your ticket today! 👉 summit.independentsector.org…

Why do Americans trust nonprofits more than philanthropy? Independent Sector’s latest research reveals a widening trust gap: While public trust in nonprofits remains relatively strong, trust in philanthropy has fallen to its lowest level since the survey began in 2021. In a new Candid article, our President & CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins explores what’s behind this divide, from growing skepticism toward concentrated wealth and power to the ways community connection, participation, and transparency shape trust. Read the full article: candid.org/blogs/trust-in-no…

Generative AI is already changing how nonprofit teams work, but what do workers and leaders think about its growing role? And how does the public feel about nonprofits using AI? Join Independent Sector, NTEN, and The Bridgespan Group for a conversation grounded in new survey findings from nonprofit leaders and workers and the American public. 📅 August 20, 2026 ⏰ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ET Register to join us: independentsector-org.zoom.u…

Thank you to @IUPhilanthropy for sponsoring Independent Sector's National Summit 2026! The Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership (PhilD) at Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is designed for experienced nonprofit and philanthropic professionals who seek to deepen their leadership, sharpen their research skills, and drive meaningful change in the field. Applications for the 2027 PhilD Cohort open September 1, 2026. Learn more about how this unique professional doctorate can advance your impact in the philanthropic sector. philanthropy.indianapolis.iu… Join philanthropies and nonprofits at Independent Sector's National Summit this October: summit.independentsector.org…